The last straw for SeaWorld: Single-use plastics removed from parks
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc has announced it has removed all single-use plastic drinking straws and shopping bags from parks.
Parks which have ditched single use plastics include SeaWorld and Aquatica parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego, Sesame Place, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
The announcement came on World Oceans Day
"We see the harmful effects of plastic pollution in the animals we rescue and rehabilitate, and therefore, recognize the importance of doing our part to curb plastic pollution," said John Reilly, SeaWorld interim CEO.
The Ocean Conservancy estimates eight million metric tons of plastics enter the oceans each year
To support the move, SeaWorld is continuing to invest in more renewable energy initiatives, such as the solar array at Aquatica San Diego, which could generate up to 90% of its energy needs.
The company claims it has lowered its greenhouse gas emissions by 9% from 2014 to 2017 and enhanced the recycling of waste materials by more than a half during the same period.
"We’re proud of the incredible progress our parks have made in waste, water and energy reduction. It’s efforts like these, multiplied by key partnerships with conservation-minded organizations, that will continue to make a difference," said Bill Street, SeaWorld’s corporate curator of conservation and education.
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