SeaWorld eliminating plastic bag use
Apr 26, 2012

As part of their continued efforts toward conservation, SeaWorld's 10 theme parks are eliminating the use of plastic bags. The parks' gift shops will be switching to paper bags made from 100 percent recycled paper. Reusable bags will also be available for purchase. SeaWorld has long been known for its focus on environmentalism; the parks normally use approximately 4 million plastic bags per year that would all be going to landfills. In turn, the oceans fill up with 1.4 million tons of trash per year. Sea turtles, which are currently endangered, confuse the discarded bags for a meal of jellyfish.

Jim Atchison, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, said, "This is a significant change for our company, one we hope will provide a model for our industry overall. Eliminating plastic bags is an important statement about our commitment to the environment, as well as the need to help protect marine animals from debris. It also allows our guests to play a direct part in making a difference on our planet."

SeaWorld is also changing the drinking cups at the parks, introducing cups made with 85 percent renewable resources. More than 13 million cups are used by SeaWorld's parks each year. This change is a new 10-year partnership with The Coca-Cola Company.