Weekly repurpose of nearly 3,000 pounds of spent coffee grounds from cruise ship to soil marks new chapter in circular sustainability

May 2026 – Carnival Cruise Line and Celebration Key have launched a community sustainability initiative that transforms used coffee grounds from the cruise ship Mardi Gras into natural fertilizer for Grand Bahama’s soil — repurposing around 2,800 pounds of organic material every week.

The Community Coffee Grounds Initiative, a collaboration with Grand Bahama company ATO Landscaping, collects spent grounds from Mardi Gras, transfers them ashore, and incorporates them into composting and fertilizer programmes supporting Celebration Key’s extensive landscaping – with a focus on native palms and trees. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, improving soil structure, enhancing water retention, and stimulating beneficial microbial activity.

Garelle Hudson, Health, Environment, Safety and Sustainability (HESS) Manager for Celebration Key, described the initiative as an expression of Carnival’s broader philosophy.

“At Carnival, sustainability is not a tagline – it is a commitment embedded in how we operate every day,” Hudson said. “Every day on our ships, thousands of cups of coffee are enjoyed by our guests and crew. What’s left behind are not waste to us. They are the beginning of a circular story”.

Hudson summarised that vision in simple terms: “From ship… to shore… to soil… and back into life.”

Beyond its environmental impact, the initiative is designed to engage the next generation. Students from participating eco-schools will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the programme, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability practices and material lifecycle management.

“This programme opens the door for meaningful community service opportunities for students,” Hudson said. “These are lessons that extend far beyond today — they shape future leaders, innovators, and stewards of our environment.”

The Initiative, launched at the beginning of the year, was formally introduced to community partners at a recent press conference at Millennium House, Celebration Key’s headquarters in downtown Freeport. The event brought together government representatives, eco-schools, agricultural partners, and environmental organisations united around a shared commitment to sustainability.

Local entities taking part in the initiative include: Lucayan International School, Bishop Michael Eldon School, Jack Hayward Senior High School, Mary Star of the Sea School, The Beacon School, Island Manna Farms, Waterkeepers Bahamas, Berkshire Bahamas Farms, Green Shed, and Grand Bahama Backyard Farmers.

The initiative is designed as an ongoing programme, with Celebration Key inviting continued collaboration with Eco-Schools and community partners across Grand Bahama.

L-R: Liyah Forbes, Environmental Lead, Amanda Felts, General Manager, Malea Fernander, Public Health Officer Garelle Hudson, HESS Manager.