As a leading global ocean exploration and diving organization with a longstanding commitment to conservation, PADI is in a unique position to set high standards for dive industry sustainability. From reducing energy use at our headquarters to supporting our global community of divers and partners to dive in environmentally friendly ways, we are continuously working to reduce our global footprint, achieve sustainability in the dive industry, and save the ocean. 

You know the saying, “talk the talk, walk the walk?” Well, here at PADI, we aim to “talk the talk and dive the dive!”

PADI’s Pillars of Change

PADI’s Pillars of Change reflect our guiding values and commitments to address Ocean Conservation, Industry Sustainability, and People & Humanity. It’s important to strive for industry sustainability to reduce the global environmental footprint of the dive industry because diving is one of the largest and fastest growing recreational activities in the world!

We believe that the environmental impact of each part of the dive supply chain (i.e. dive travel, marine tourism, divers and dive operators) can be reduced, and we are aiming to create and support programs that help accomplish this goal.

Global Action – Our Supply Chain and Supporting Partners

So, what is PADI doing to create and promote dive industry sustainability? Many things! For example, the following changes have been implemented across some or all of PADI’s regional offices to reduce the impact of our supply chain as we send materials to train and educate divers across the globe:

Reduce Paper & Plastic

Invest in and promote digital learning solutions 
Eliminate individual plastic wrapping, virgin plastic packaging on product deliveries 
Reduce the thickness of most vinyl decals by 1mm 

Use Recycled and/or Sustainable Material

Certification cards and plastic slates/tables are manufactured using 70% recycled plastic
Items from PADI Gear are made from 100% organic cotton or recycled material
PADI boxes are made from recycled materials, are kraft brown to reduce ink usage and bleaching, and all void filling material is starch-based 
Use vegetable-based inks on printed materials 
Use FSC paper for printed materials

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Prioritize efficient shipping methods via ocean 
Use DHL’s GoGreen Solutions for shipping in Europe, Middle East and Africa

Promote Eco-Friendly Dive Travel

PADI Travel provides clear labeling on 100% AWARE, Green Star, and Green Fins operators
Eco Travel and Green Fins Collections to help dive travelers identify sustainable travel options
Form partnerships with other mission-driven organizations, like The Ocean Foundation, giving divers options to support other organizations also working to protect the ocean

Local Action – PADI Headquarters in California

We’ve also made these changes at PADI headquarters in California to promote sustainability at home:

Reduce Water

Incorporate drought resistant plants and artificial grass 

Reduce Energy, Use Renewable Energy

Solar powered pool heater
Use energy efficient LED bulbs in the building and parking lot 
Install occupancy sensors in all offices which automatically shut off lighting if motion is not detected
All windows are tinted with reflective coating, the building roof is coated with white reflective paint to reflect UV light and reduce power needed to cool the building

Reduce Paper Use, Single-Use Items, and Food Waste

Restrooms and breakrooms use recycled paper products
Only reusable drinkware and utensils are provided in breakrooms 
Recycle bins and food waste bins are staged throughout the building

Sustainable Materials, Practices

Use coffee machine supplier with a strong eco-focus and fair trade/organic coffee
Use ‘green’ cleaning products
Workwear provided to PADI office staff is 100% organic cotton and/or made from recycled materials

Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.

Check out these other blogs to learn how you, as a PADI Pro, can get involved in industry sustainability efforts too:

The Future of Diving: Reef-World Publish Sustainability Survey Results
Introducing The Reef-World Foundation’s Green Fins Code of Conduct
Top Conservation Tips From PADI Dive Shops Around the Globe

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Conservation, conservation, save the oceanPADI Pros