In observance of Earth Month, local theme parks are directing efforts toward enhancing sustainability practices. Walt Disney World, as part of this initiative, has implemented a novel approach by repurposing recycled materials sourced from its parks and resorts to cultivate stunning floral displays reminiscent of those featured at Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival.
The endeavor commenced with the launch of a pilot program designed by Disney, wherein recycled bottles and other glass items collected from the parks and resorts are processed into sand and gravel through the utilization of a glass pulverizer capable of handling up to 2,000 lbs of glass per hour.
The resultant sand is now being utilized for horse trails at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, while the gravel finds application on the greenhouse floor at the park’s nursery, supplanting the previously used coquina material. This strategic shift, according to Debbie Mola Mickler, Disney’s horticulture manager, not only promotes effective water penetration during watering but also minimizes surface water accumulation on the greenhouse floors.
Mickler expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its capacity to repurpose glass waste generated by park guests, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.
Since its inception in 2022, the pilot program has gained momentum, with enthusiastic participation from Disney’s cast members. Jarrod Stewart, Disney’s Environmental Integration Project Manager, commended the proactive engagement of various departments within the park, citing the catering team’s initiative in incorporating waste collection and delivery into their daily operations.
Stewart emphasized Disney’s overarching commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the goal of achieving zero waste-to-landfill by 2030. He stressed the importance of collaboration between cast members and guests in realizing this objective, affirming that collective action is indispensable in leaving a lasting positive impact on the environment.