Disney is Making Changes in an Effort to Reduce Plastic Waste

The Walt Disney Company has made a commitment to continue conservation efforts.  Walt Disney actually said that “conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us.” Disney started the Disney Conservation Fund in 1995 and has contributed over $70 million in an effort to reverse the decline in wildlife around the world.  There have also been a variety of efforts in place to reduce the net greenhouse gas emissions.  Disney Parks Blog announced that The Walt Disney Company would be making another step to help protect the environment.  By mid-2019, no more single-use plastic straws and plastic stirrers at all Disney owned and operated locations found around the entire globe.  This is expected to result in a decrease of 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers each year.

Another change that is being made is that there will be a transition to refillable in-room amenities at the resorts and cruise ships.  This will reduce the use of the plastics by 80 percent.  In order to reduce the amount of plastic bags that are used, Disney will also offer the option to purchase reusable bags for a small fee.  This will allow guests to take an active role in helping to protect the environment and get a great bag that can become a souvenir from their trip.  Disney will also start the process to eliminate polystyrene cups around Disney facilities around the globe.  All of these steps will help to reduce single-use plastics.  Of course Disney will also continue efforts to recycle waste that can be recycled, too.

“Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products. “These new global efforts help reduce our environmental footprint, and advance our long-term sustainability goals.”

“Disney has always been inspired by nature – and it is a uniquely powerful brand that inspires, educates, and entertains, all at the same time,” said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International. “Today’s announcement is more than about reducing single-use plastic waste, it’s also about showing millions of kids and adults from around the world the many ways we can change our daily habits to care for the oceans and protect nature that sustains us all. It also builds on Disney’s longstanding commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship, a legacy that stretches from the highlands of Peru to the islands of the South Pacific.”

What do you think about these changes that will be coming to Disney parks around the globe?

Photo and Source Credit:  Disney Parks Blog