City of Solana Beach - and Busch Gardens, SeaWorld - eliminating plastic bags.
(Maybe SeaWorld San Diego next!)
Soon there will be no more "Paper or plastic?" questions for shoppers
at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
announced Wednesday that it plans to eliminate plastic shopping bags
within the next year. It is the largest theme park operator to make this
commitment.
Park gift shops will offer paper bags made from 100
percent recycled paper, or guests can choose to purchase reusable bags,
the company said in a news release.
Another green change: Sodas now come in paper cups made with 85 percent renewable resources.
"This
is a significant change for our company, one we hope will provide a
model for our industry overall," said Jim Atchison, president and chief
executive officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
"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," Atchison said.
The move will keep an
estimated 4 million plastic bags from entering landfills and the
environment each year, the company said. Wildlife such as endangered sea
turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favorite
foods.