How can you reduce waste in theme parks?

A good example of reusable items are the refil bottles. If the park invests in good quality bottles that will also serve as a gift, for example, they won’t be disposed so soon.

Reusables will always be the way to go when it comes to most sustainable alternatives at theme parks. Sometimes, though, reusables may not make sense or may not be accessible for some, and that's where compostable products come in. Not just biodegradable, but certified compostable or marine-grade biodegradable. Most single-use items reach the ocean in one way or another, so it's important to ensure that products are ocean-safe and will break down over a short amount of time.

Waste sorting is one of the hardest tasks to get right when it comes to waste management and its interaction with everyday people. Separated bins help only so much, as most people will just throw away whatever they don't want in whatever bin will accept it - we live in a throwaway culture, it's routine by now. Some people get confused about the difference between recycling and compost and will throw everything into one bin just out of overwhelm. Recycling and compost are also easily contaminated, making the task even harder. Having clear signage can be helpful here, but ultimately, the theme parks business is in need of a major shift to business-oriented solutions such as switching to certified-compostable products or reusables.

A groundbreaking waste reduction strategy for theme parks could involve the implementation of "Eco-Patrol Characters." Imagine costumed characters dedicated to promoting waste reduction and educating visitors on sustainable practices. These characters roam the park, interacting with guests and rewarding those who adopt eco-friendly behaviors. Visitors who properly dispose of waste or use designated recycling bins might receive small, eco-themed rewards or even unlock special experiences within the park. This not only transforms waste reduction into a fun and memorable experience but also creates a positive peer influence, encouraging visitors to actively contribute to the park's sustainability goals.

Education is a major driver of all waste-related sustainability work, as the solutions largely revolve around changing human behavior from a throw-away culture to one that works with the environment in mind. It's important to be transparent about the waste measures the theme park is using to mitigate their waste, follow through with the measures set at all areas of the park and within the company, and encourage theme park guests to do the same by providing them with the knowledge of how.

Waste can be so much fun! Think about the arts and crafts times that could be had by making toys out of marine debris, which can then be a vehicle to teach about ocean pollution and ways to prevent it. Think about shows that could be made about the planet and how we all belong on it, which means we need to take care of it! Re: my contribution about education above - not only is education key, but making education FUN is vital. No one wants to go to a theme park and be lectured about their waste, but I would have a dance party learning about the Earth and its creatures any day!

Incorporen objetos ejemplos de productos confeccionados con productos reciclados. Vinculen las acciones de reciclar con sumar puntos virtuales y/o canjeables.