This film still released by Disney Enterprises and Pixar Animation Studios shows a scene form "WALL-E." The Walt Disney Co., said Monday, March 9, 2009, it sought to halve the greenhouse gases it emits directly from fuel consumption at its theme parks, cruise ships and office and retail spaces by 2012 from 2006 levels. (AP Photo/Disney Enterprises and Pixar Animation Studios)
The Walt Disney Company has always been a leader and prime example of conserving energy and being green. The idea of being environmentally friendly is something that has been a part of the company’s pioneer thinking for more than 60 years. Can a company this green get any greener? They have plans to.
Just last year all of the Walt Disney World Resorts were awarded approval from the Florida Green Lodging Program. This was a recognition the company received because of its efforts to recycle, cut down on trash and debris and using environmentally friendly chemicals for cleaning.
Also, as a guest staying in a Walt Disney World Resort you are encouraged to use the recycling bin that is in every room and recycling bins are everywhere you look while at a theme park. There is a sign on the back of the door reminding you to control the air conditioner and turn your lights off as you leave the room. They also implemented years ago a project not to have to wash as many towels as they used to. If you want to use your towel again, just hang it up and housekeeping will leave it there for you. If not, set it in the tub and they will get you a fresh towel. But this was just the beginning.
The company announced on Monday a brand new environmental goal of cutting the amount of greenhouse gasses the company emits into the atmosphere worldwide in half by 2012. This reduction goal is based off the levels measured in 2006. Also, part of the goal is to reduce electricity consumption by 10 percent and cut the amount of debris sent to landfills in half. The ultimate goal is to produce zero waste and net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Senior vice-president of environmental affairs for the company said that they plan to plant more trees to offset emissions, which will help the company with their long-term green goals.
It is going to take baby steps for the company to achieve their goals, especially since Disney is adding two new cruise ships to their Disney Cruise Line fleet, which already accounts for half of the emissions produced by the entire company. However, with plans in place, they are on a great path to accomplish this goal.
Disney is always trying to educate others about the delicate nature of the environment and launched the Environmentality challenge on the company’s website in order to get kids and their families more involved in saving the environment. Check it out by clicking here.
For more info: visit www.environmentality.com
Comments
Nice to see that Disney is focused on this. Climate Counts gave them a 25 out of 100 in their last round of scoring, which equates to 3rd place out of the 6 media companies rated. If Mickey follows through, this should give them a boost.
Disney theme parks should aim for 100% renewable electricity generation following what many ski resorts have been doing in the last several years.
On a separate note, they acquired Ideal Bite last year so clearly they're believers in the green consumer/media market.
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