Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar. For us at Boating in Boston, it’s an opportunity to highlight the importance of sustainable boating and show how simple changes can make a meaningful impact—even if our boathouses aren’t open yet for the season. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or looking to try something new this year, this guide will show you how to enjoy the beauty of boating while remaining mindful of the planet.

Making an Impact Together 

Boston’s waterways are a treasure. From the Charles River to Boston Harbor, they connect us to both nature and our city’s history. But these waters are fragile, and preserving their beauty requires proactive steps. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by being part of the solution?

1. Paddle Instead of Motor
   Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards offer a peaceful way to explore Boston’s waterways without an engine in sight. Opt for self-powered vessels to minimize your carbon footprint. Be sure to pack sustainable gear like reusable water bottles and snack containers.
2. For Motor Boat Users, Upgrade to a Low-Impact Boat
   If you’re a frequent boater, now is an excellent time to think about transitioning to an electric or hybrid boat. These vessels produce fewer emissions than traditional fuel-powered ones, making them a valuable tool in combating climate change and reducing noise pollution.
3. Use Eco-Friendly Boating Accessories
   One simple step toward sustainability is swapping out traditional boating gear for eco-friendly alternatives. For example, use biodegradable cleaning products to wash your boat. Traditional soaps often contain chemicals that can pollute the water, harm marine life, and disrupt ecosystems. 
4. Practice Leave No Trace Principles
   Trash and plastic waste are major issues affecting waterways. Carry a reusable bag on board to collect any waste created during your outing and properly dispose of it when you return to shore. Make it a habit to “leave no trace” wherever you go.
5. Stay Curious and Educated
   Environmental awareness is always evolving. Whether it’s learning about conservation projects in Boston or volunteering locally, there’s always something new you can do to participate in preserving the planet.

Learn More.

What Boating in Boston is Doing for Sustainability 

At Boating in Boston, we pride ourselves on prioritizing sustainability. Celebrating Earth Day and beyond, we’re committed to these initiatives:

• A Paper-Free Commitment
  Our operational practices have a direct impact on the environment, which is why we’ve gone completely paperless. Since January 2023, every waiver and receipt has been digitized.
  • 2024: 68,491 waivers processed digitally—zero paper used. 
  • 2023: 102,123 waivers went paperless, saving around 102,123 pieces of paper. 
• Going Single-Use Plastic Free
  Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern, especially in aquatic environments. To tackle this, all our boathouses will be 100% single-use plastic-free by January 2025. By collaborating with partners like Pepsi, we’ll instead provide beverages in aluminum cans. And the changes start at the individual level, too. All Boating in Boston locations offer water-filling stations, encouraging staff, campers, and visitors to bring reusable bottles. It’s all part of creating a culture of sustainability, not just policies.
• Hands-On River Cleanups
  True environmental stewardship means going beyond internal practices. That’s why our team at Boating in Boston actively collaborates with local organizations to clean up Boston’s waterways.
  • Annual Cleanup Events: These regular events bring volunteers together to remove trash and debris from the riverfront. These cleanup efforts will extend to more locations, including Nahanton, Natick, and Sharon. 
  • Trash-for-Discounts Program: Love paddling and the planet? We’ve even offered discounts for customers who pick up trash during their paddles and return it to us. 

• Educating the Next Generation
  Environmental education is a core pillar for us. Every year, all staff participate in hands-on training that includes sustainable practices and a reminder of our core tenant: “We are stewards of our environment.”
  For our younger visitors, we weave the importance of environmental care into our summer camp programs. Campers don’t just paddle, they also learn about the ecosystems they’re exploring and how they can help protect them.

Celebrating Earth Day Responsibly 

At Boating in Boston, we believe sustainability goes beyond one-off changes. It’s a collective mindset: a pledge to protect what we love and rely on. Whether you’re kayaking along the Charles River, participating in a cleanup, or simply filling your reusable bottle at one of our boathouses, every small action contributes to a bigger change. This Earth Day, we hope you’ll paddle with purpose and join us in championing sustainable boating practices. Together, we can celebrate the beauty of Boston’s waterways while ensuring their future. 

Head over to our website for the latest updates on sustainability and upcoming events.