Disneyland’s 2023 Environmental Champions
You might not know it, but Disney puts a lot of effort into being good stewards of wild places, natural resources, and the impact Disney operations may have on the local environment. One way the company encourages this is by recognizing Cast Members as Disneyland’s 2023 Environmental Champions.
Photo: Disney
This year, Disneyland has both a Team Award and an Individual Award. Up first, we have the Food and Beverage team from the Avenger’s Campus.
Shrinking Problems, Growing Solutions
This team has done something that seems small, but is a really big task. Instead of serving disposable flatware, they’ve switched to reusable.
Operationally speaking, this is difficult on a large scale. The task of ensuring guests don’t throw away more expensive durable utensils. Then there’s cleaning and restocking them again. When you do this for thousands of meals a day, it’s a lot of work.
Photo: Disney
But their efforts have paid off. The team at Pym’s Kitchen are shrinking problems and growing solutions by eliminating more than 25,000 plastic utensils from landfills.
Recycling is Harder than it Sounds
The little hippie inside me is super proud of this team’s efforts not just to reduce, but also recycle soft plastics (which can’t go in regular mixed recycling bins) and even testing out a food waste collection station for composting!
Photo: Disney
When I’m not blogging or planning Disney trips, my (less magical) work is all about reducing waste and recycling. So I always love a great waste reduction and recycling story! This team definitely deserves the special accolades for all their hard work (because it is tough!).
Photo: Disney
Adventureland/Frontier Land Lead Cast Member Retail Kayla Casillas was nominated by fellow cast member Julia Molinaro for her efforts to educate others.
Photo: Disney
Kayla noticed a lot of items that could be recycled in the trash in her work area. With a little curiosity and courage, Kayla began educating her fellow cast about the proper sorting of waste items.
Photo: Disney
Paper and cardboard tags from merchandise that guests wanted to use right away (like the ever popular bubble wand!). Kayla then took things one step further and ensured that different waste bins were easily accessible and the signs above them clearly explained what goes where.
Doing Our Part
Disneyland’s 2023 Environmental Champions are showing how easy it is for us to make small changes that make a big impact! In honor of their efforts, Disney is making two $5,000 donations to Roots and Shoots, Jane Goodall’s program that inspired future environmentalists.
Take a leaf from their book and try these things to do your small part:
- Bring reusable utensils with you to avoid disposables
- Be mindful of food waste or try composting at home
- Recycle, reuse, or repurpose items to extend their life.
I love all that Disney does to make a positive impact on our natural world. If you want to learn more or just geek out over all things green, let’s chat!
Have a Magical Day,
Your Disney Girl Tori
