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Celebrating Earth Month with Disney: Taking Better Care of the World We Share

Dr. Mark Penning

by , Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks

As we celebrate Earth Month, we’re reflecting on the actions we can all take to protect the world we share. Disney’s culture of conservation and environmental stewardship dates back to Walt Disney, who once said, “conservation isn’t just the business of a few people – it’s a matter that concerns all of us.” From our earliest nature movies in the 1950s and setting aside nearly one-third of Walt Disney World Resort property as a dedicated wildlife conservation area in the 1970s, to the recent development of a 270-acre solar facility, we continue this legacy of preserving nature around the world for generations to come.

Walt Disney Quote - “Conservation isn’t just the business of a few people – it’s a matter that concerns all of us.”

This month, we hope to take you on a journey across our global parks and games and publishing business to learn fascinating facts and to experience uniquely Disney environmental initiatives.

You’ll hear from Cast Members who are working to make a difference within our parks through a special video series titled Field Notes. You’ll also be able to hear from me (@DrMarkAtDisney on Instagram) and Cast from around the world as we share ways you can be more environmentally friendly. Join us weekly for Earth Month episodes of #AskDrMark. We’ll also be sharing delicious, environmentally friendly recipes, a sustainable gift guide and much more.

Across our parks and resorts, we have worked to not only create environmentally friendly practices, but also sustainable offerings for our guests and fans around the world. Disney-owned and operated sites are working to reduce single-use plastics and to harness the power of the sun, reducing tens of thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. We’re also providing guests with hundreds of plant-based dining options and sustainable seafood choices as well as more sustainable products and packaging, looking for ways to improve the guest experience and make significant progress on our long-term goals.

Speaking of goals, I am pleased to share that this past year, we met The Walt Disney Company’s 2020 environmental goals and have now announced a new set of ambitious goals for 2030. From achieving net zero emissions for our direct operations to zero waste going to landfills from our wholly owned and operated parks and resorts, these goals signify our commitment to ongoing environmental stewardship.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and our social channels, including Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook, @DrMarkAtDisney on Instagram, and Disney Conservation Fund on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, to join in on all the fun and find out how you too can not only learn more about sustainability and conservation, but also make a meaningful difference in your communities.

Comments

  • Omg! I just loved reading this & I’m so excited about all your sustainable goals! I’m thrilled to hear about even the smaller things like plant based meals & no more single use plastics. Our own household is trying to go plastic free by 2023!

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