The company set targets for the next three to five years as part of a 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report. Areas for improvement include reduced emissions, improved waste policies, more efficient electricity and fuel use, and less impact on water and ecosystem resources. It is a move that acknowledges the power of green consumers and eco-savvy businesses. Environmental topics are only part of the focus, along with statements about children and families, content and products, community, and workplace goals.
The report is the culmination of a two-year consultation process to examine more sustainable strategies. Over the long term, the company hopes to achieve zero solid waste, zero net greenhouse gas emissions directly from fuels, reduced indirect emissions from electricity, and reduced ecosystem impacts through direct effects and water use. In addition, product manufacturing is under scrutiny. As part of the new emphasis, the company also intends to educate and promote environmental action.
It certainly can’t hurt for such a large company to take a strong environmental stance. After all, with resorts in California, Florida, Paris, and Hong Kong, as well as a cruise line, that makes for a lot of potentially informed visitors. With children and families as primary consumers, it is an ideal way to spread a more responsible message, along with liberal doses of Mickey, Snow White, and other Disney favourites.
How exactly will these changes take place? Well, Disney currently produces about 300,000 tons of waste that goes into landfills. This waste will now be sorted, with some heading to recycling centres and composting facilities. The company will also source more recycled materials. Excess waste will also be pared down in the manufacture and disposal of Disney products. By 2013, the goal is to send half as much solid waste (compared to 2006) to landfills.
Also by 2013, the plan is to reduce electricity use by 10% compared to the 2006 baseline. This measure was calculated, along with carbon emissions, with the help of Conservation International. The strategy will include using renewable energy sources, investing in clean electricity sources, implementing energy-efficient processes to reduce emissions, using low-carbon fuels, and purchasing quality carbon offsets for the remainder. Energy conservation will also be a feature of the approach.
The newer, cleaner, more conscientious form of Disney will appeal to many people. It may also be a shock to others – since it brings real world issues into a fantasy land. Overall, it is good to see larger companies incorporating greener policies in their standard operations.
Photo credit: troy…@Flickr.com
It is good to know that they are making a big effort to be greener. It is a pity it didn’t happen sooner but at least they are doing something now. I hope it goes well for them.