In a commitment to protect wildlife from the dangers of plastic, SeaWorld is banning single-use plastic straws and shopping bags from all of its parks.
“This milestone environmental achievement is a testament to our mission to protect the environment, the ocean and the animals we share our planet with, which are currently threatened by unprecedented amounts of plastic pollution,” said John Reilly, interim chief executive officer for SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “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.”
This is Colin, a rescued sea turtle that had plastic debris lodged in his intestines. This surgery is long, intensive work, but it’s the only way to save animals like Colin. Let’s work together and stop the assault on our oceans and animals. Let’s #BeatPlasticPollution. pic.twitter.com/bcoP1CvJ1C
— SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) June 6, 2018
This means that guests will have to use paper or reusable cloth shopping bags from now on.
In the gift shops the new, cloth bags are available starting at $0.99 for a small, $2.99 for a medium, and $7.99 for a large. Those not wishing to buy one of the cloth bags can request a paper bag for $0.10 or simply carry their items out without a bag.
Paper straws are now available at some of the park’s restaurants, upon request, and reusable souvenir cups are still available as well.
Disney fans should be well acquainted with paper straws by now, as they are currently used in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
With this commitment to remove single-use plastic straws and shopping bags from its parks – including SeaWorld and Aquatica parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego; Sesame Place; Adventure Island; Water Country USA; Discovery Cove Orlando; Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – SeaWorld joins the ranks of other organizations and government entities working to reduce the use of single-use plastics, such as Alaska Airlines, Hilton, and Hurtigruten.
SeaWorld says they have had no complaints from guests about the change.
[Source: Fox 9 News, PR Newswire]
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