How Parks & FECs Are Doing Their Part To Be Environmentally Sustainable

Eco-friendly solutions are practiced in a wide range of businesses worldwide. Environmental events and efforts have become a global initiative. In fact, there are some eco-oriented groups of people that will not patronize businesses if the business does not support a more environmentally sustainable future.?

Again, this is where your demographics and your analytics come in handy. What percentage of your local community feels this way? How about your state? How about your surrounding states? People are willing to travel to a destination that will support their belief system. And, I think we all really want to help the environment even though sometimes it may seem costly to implement solutions. But it doesn't have to be expensive!?

Start With The Small Things?

Parks and FECs have a lot of disposable items and there's not much we can do about that because we want to make it convenient for people to come in and enjoy our offerings. But sometimes there are small ways that we can make a difference.?

For instance, straws. This has become a huge issue in the media and social media. Straws account for a lot of waste that “sea life is burdened by” and so there has been a global effort to stop the production of disposable straws. Let's be realistic, that's not going to happen, at least not in the near future.

But, have you seen the stores lately carrying all kinds of reusable straws? It has become a huge deal! There is a way for the entertainment industry to capitalize on this movement, while also helping the environment. It is easy to purchase inexpensive reusable straws that have your brand or logo printed on them available for people that want to be active in this global effort.?

If you don't have the budget for selling these eco-friendly novelty items, you might decide to go with paper straws instead. Also, you don't have to hand straws out with every drink purchased. If you have a soda fountain, you may opt to only have the cup available to the public and have the lids and straws (in the back) available upon request.?

Most people will be able to take the cup, fill their drink and not have a problem with just drinking out of the cup. However, it is always good to have some on hand for small children who may have a tendency to spill and others who have medical conditions that allow them to only drink by straw.?

Recycling Can Actually MAKE You Money!

Believe it or not, implementing a recycling program in your park or FEC can actually make you money! The fact is, there is so much waste that guests throw away when they visit a park or FEC that can be recycled.?

A park in Copenhagen in 1998, started a recycling program. They developed a system which was easy to implement. Guests would pay a deposit for each cup they got during their visit. When the cup was returned to the machine (or: you could have a booth, it could be returned to the eatery counter) they were refunded that deposit. If not, the company would keep the money.

The park in Copenhagen, got an approximate 80% return using this plan. This can be great news for the environmental enthusiasts for miles around! Plus, added revenue for your park or FEC.?

Vending machines are also available that will reward guests for recycling their used containers. The vending machines take the items, crush them, and store them for easy recycling.?

Either way you go on this effort, you are going to experience a win. Returning the deposit money to the guests at the end of the day is a way to reward them instantly for their actions. The amount that you keep, from the guests that are not as environmentally aware, is a reward for you. But keep in mind, it is an overall win for you, your guests and the environment.?

Feel-Good Marketing

Just like a new attraction, popular video game, items in your redemption area, or food in your restaurants, this is an effort that you should tell your guests about! Anytime that you strive to make the guest experience better or more inclusive, you should feel good about promoting.

Remember, the plans that go into these events and efforts, there should be equally planned marketing strategies. Let your community and potential guests know about your ongoing efforts to embrace what is important to them and it will be beneficial to your business and empower your brand.

Tim Murphy is CEO of APX Operating Company, dba Boomers Parks, under the ownership of Cerberus private equity ($60B assets). Boomers Parks owns six family entertainment centers and two water parks with locations in California, Florida, and New Jersey.

As CEO of Boomers Parks since 2020, Tim took these eight parks from bankruptcy to profitability in just a year – in the middle of a global pandemic. When Boomers acquired these parks, they were operating at a $10 million loss. Tim transformed the customer experience and added new revenue streams to generate a 180% increase in revenue in 2021 and on a similar trajectory in 2022.

Tim launched his 35+ year career at Walt Disney World and has since served more than 150 entertainment, restaurant, and food & beverage brands across more than 10,000 locations in C-suite and senior positions.

Additionally, Tim is a Board Director with Coney Park & Happy City - Family Entertainment & Amusement Parks, part of The Carlyle Group ($276B assets), a private equity firm that operates 150+ family entertainment centers and amusement parks in Latin America.?

Tim has worked with top-tier entertainment and restaurant brands including Disney, Rebounderz Trampoline Parks, Darden Restaurants (Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, etc.), Red Lobster, Jimmy John’s, Applebee’s, Sonny’s Bar-B-Q, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Hardee’s, Golden Corral, and Firehouse Subs.

Tim has overseen more than 35 purchase transactions involving over 1,200 restaurants, stores, and park locations.? With extensive experience in buying and selling businesses, handling negotiations with buyers and sellers, and creating strategic partnerships to build strong brands, Tim has facilitated deals ranging from $11 million to $350 million+.

Tim is a member of International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA), Florida Attractions Association (FAA), American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA), National Restaurant Association (NRA), California Restaurant Association (CRA), World Waterpark Association (WWA) and International Franchising Association (IFA). He is a licensed commercial real estate broker in the State of Florida. Tim earned a BS/BA in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and an MBA in Finance from Orlando College.