Disneyland is now a place where a conservationist’s dreams can come true.
The company just announced that it will stop using single-use straws and plastic stirrers at all their 11 theme parks around the world, part of a broad initiative to cut waste and emissions.
The company says they plan on eliminating the non-renewable plastic products by mid-2019, which will save 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers from landfills annually. In lieu of plastic, Disney will offer versions made out of paper, bamboo, or other more sustainable materials.
Additionally, the company said it would be working to reduce the number of single-use plastic bags and eliminate polystyrene cups that are utilized at their parks, stores, and cruise liners.
The cruises are also set to begin offering refillable in-room amenities, which is expected to “reduce plastics in guest rooms by 80%”, says the company’s press release.
They also reported a 41% reduction of the company’s net greenhouse gas emissions in 2017, and a diversion of nearly 50 percent of its waste from landfills and incineration, making “significant progress” on their long-term goal of net-zero emissions with zero waste.
The CEO of Conservation International, a nonprofit that has worked with Disney to achieve their sustainability goals, called it “a uniquely powerful brand that inspires, educates, and entertains, all at the same time.”
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“Today’s announcement is also about showing millions of kids and adults the many ways we can change our daily habits to care for the oceans and protect nature that sustains us all.”
Be Sure And Share The Magical Good News With Your Friends – Photo by Travis Wise, CC