Volunteers for the 35th America’s Cup are expected to follow all sustainable guidelines for the event.

Last year, the teams and the America’s Cup Event Authority signed a sustainability charter with ten points outlining how to be more sustainable. Here are some of key points for volunteers.

Help encourage and promote sustainable actions.

A. REDUCE CONSUMPTION

1) Unplug equipment when not in use.

2) Turn off lights.

3) Conserve water.

4) Use public transportation or car pool.

Bermuda has one of the highest carbon footprints per capita in the world. Efforts to reduce this will signal our care for the environment and our willingness to lessen our impact on climate change.

Our traditional methods of water sourcing have been taxed by our high consumption patterns. Conserving our use will help us to manage better.

B. REDUCE WASTE

5) Plastic free: No balloons, straws, styrofoam, single-use plastic bottles, single-use plastic bags.

6) BYOB: Bring your own bottle and refill with water.

7) Encourage everyone to sort waste: (1) glass/cans and (2) regular.

8) Minimise paper usage. Print only necessary material. Post information online.

9) Pick up litter.

10) Check trash bins; report overflows.

Managing our waste helps us to reduce the negative impact on our environment and contribute to the health of the animals and plants living within. This can influence our health as well.

Plastics are burnt at the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy Facility. The problem occurs with those plastics that end up in the marine environment.

Bermuda does recycle! Crushed glass is used for backfill; aluminium cans are crushed and sold; electronic waste is shipped overseas.

C. PROTECT HABITATS

11) Minimise and avoid damage to our environment. Carry emergency contact number for the Command Centre in the event of fuel spill or damage to the environment or sea life.

Bermuda’s terrestrial or marine environments are very fragile; some habitats are threatened. They have taken a long time to form and, because of their interactive nature, damage to one part may result in damage to the whole. This can influence the availability of local fish and lobster, our resilience to storm damage, the protection of unique local species and the beauty of our island.

D. ACCESSIBILITY and INCLUSION

12) Encourage participation. Assist those in need.

13) Promote local businesses and entertainment

14) Use your Certified Tourism Ambassador training knowledge.

15) Work together.

Bermuda’s greatest resource is its people. For sustainability to thrive, we must enable and support economic opportunities and inclusive events. Strengthening these elements in turn strengthen our people, foster connections and develop assets. These lead to a stronger community and a stronger economy.

E. HEALTH and SAFETY

16) Look to prevent accidents before they happen.

17) Make sure you know who to call and when. Know locations of First Aid Stations, Ambulance on duty.

18) Healthy bites — take care of yourself, ensure you are hydrated and eat well.

This event is arguably the largest Bermuda has hosted, with thousands anticipated to be in attendance and many more viewing it from around the world. Safety and security are paramount to ensure a positive experience for all. The consequences of not having a safe and secure event could impact Bermuda for a long time.