How We Define Sustainability

"The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"

At Aramark, we have a deep respect for and commitment to protecting and improving the environment. We work to reduce our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional operational results. We also offer expertise and practical solutions to our clients to help them reduce their environmental impacts.

Throughout our corporation, we develop and implement long-term environmental stewardship programs and policies within the areas of sustainable food; responsible procurement; green buildings; energy and water conservation; transportation; and waste stream management.

Environmental Programs

Environmental Policy

• Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours is committed to providing a quality service in a manner that ensures a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and minimizes our potential impact on the environment.

Environmental Management System

• Focuses on managing significant environmental aspects and improving environmental performance.
• Designed to help regulate what we buy, how we use energy, how we dispose of chemicals, etc.
• Deal with what are known as "aspects and impacts"
• Fueling a boat
• Turning on a light switch
• Buying food and products for the restaurant

Waste Reduction Initiatives

• Single-use plastic beverage containers have been completely eliminated. There is a water bottle refill station in the lobby.
• All to-go items use certified compostable Eco-Products.
• In-room amenities are transitioning to bulk dispensers and compostable Keurig cups.
• Unused hygiene items are recycled through Clean the World.
• Hundreds of pounds of goods are donated seasonally to the Gustavus community.

Why proper waste disposal is so important…

The Gustavus Disposal and Recycling Center (DRC)

• Unlike most landfills, the Gustavus Disposal & Recycling Center (DRC) is largely run by just two full-time employees - Ian and Syd. Together, they hand-sort all mixed waste brought to the DRC to ensure materials are properly recycled or disposed of.
• In 2024 alone, Ian and Syd sorted through over 418,000 pounds of waste. We keep them in mind and do our part by taking a few extra moments to sort our trash carefully before it gets to them - and we ask that our guests do the same.

Help Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace provides a framework to help us reduce our impact on the environment. Keep the following tips in mind while exploring Glacier Bay National Park:

• Respect Wildlife: Bears, moose, otters, whales, porcupines, and many more animals make Glacier Bay their home. Stay alert, observe wildlife from a safe distance, and never attempt to feed or approach them. Moose and bears can be especially aggressive if surprised or threatened. Carry bear spray, make noise by talking or singing while hiking, and stay aware to avoid surprising wildlife.
  
  
• Dispose of Waste Properly: While on a boat tour or kayaking, it’s easy to lose unsecured clothing or snack wrappers. Secure all belongings to prevent them from blowing away and polluting the ocean, which could harm marine life. Dispose of waste and recycling in the bins provided in the day boat and lodge.
  
  
• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Before heading into the backcountry, be sure to obtain orientation and permit. Even for short trips in Bartlett Cove, create a plan and share it with someone- let them know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest is known for its cool, wet climate. Summer daytime temperatures are usually between 55 to 65°F, but nights may drop into the 40s. Weather conditions can change quickly, so pack rain gear and insulating layers to prevent hypothermia.
  
  
• Be Considerate of Others: Help maintain a respectful park experience for everyone. Yield to others on trail, avoid playing music out loud while hiking or camping, and keep pets leashed within designated pet areas only.
  
  
• Reduce Waste: Avoid single-use plastics when possible. Choose reusable alternatives and pack out everything you bring with you. Every small action counts in maintaining the beauty and ecological balance of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve for future generations of visitors and the wildlife that calls this park their home.
  
  
• Leave What You Find: Preserve the rich ecosystem and history of Glacier Bay by leaving plants, rocks, and artifacts as you find them, and preventing the introduction of invasive species. Do not alter the landscape by building structures or digging trenches.