Walt Disney World has revealed how it’s using recycled glass and a pulveriser to grow plants and flowers at the resort.
In 2022, Disney World installed a glass pulveriser to turn recycled glass into a sand-like material, which is now being used at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The recycled glass is coming from locations around Epcot.
“At Walt Disney World, we’re always looking for innovative ideas that help the planet,” Mark Penning, vice president of animals, science and environment at Disney parks, wrote in a blog post.
The sand-like material made from glass is a substitute for coquina material. It acts as a “pass-through for multiple daily waterings for our plants”, said Penning. “This ensures a functioning ecosystem for plants to flourish.”
The glass crusher can grind up to 2,000 pounds of glass an hour, so Disney plans to expand its pulveriser pilot programme.
“Cast members are excited for the future of this sustainability effort and are optimistic that pulverized glass can be incorporated into additional uses in the future,” Penning added.
“While this program is still in its pilot phase, it’s exciting to picture what we’ve been able to do since 2022 and what we continue dreaming up every day.”
Sustainability at Disney parks
In more news, Disneyland in California is converting its Autopia car ride from gas engines to electric as part of its goal to achieve net zero emissions.
Walt Disney Imagineering’s Emily Dow and Caitlin Krasovic will speak at greenloop 2024, blooloop’s online conference focusing on sustainability in visitor attractions.
Now in its fourth year, greenloop aims to inform and inspire with top speakers and networking. The event takes place online on 30 April 2024.
Images courtesy of Disney
