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SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is making the switch to paper bags in all its theme parks in order to commit itself to animal conservation.
Within the next year all plastic shopping bags will be removed, with park gift shops only offering paper options made from 100 per cent recycled materials or reusable gift bags for a slightly higher price, Plastics Today reports.
The firm explained that by choosing to use paper shopping bags instead this will prevent an estimated four million plastic bags from entering the environment or being sent to landfill each year.
This includes the 1.4 billion tonnes of rubbish, including plastic bags, which is poured into the ocean annually.
SeaWorld is particularly concerned about this, as endangered sea turtles can often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favourite foods to eat.
A spokesperson told the site: "SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has a long history of actively supporting sea turtle conservation and rescues hundreds of these animals each year in the wild that have been impacted by human behaviour.
"This change is natural for us and provides an opportunity to communicate to guests how they, too, can help make a difference for these animals."
The firm originally began exploring this switch at its SeaWorld venue in San Diego, when it discontinued giving out plastic bags to mark the opening of its new Turtle Reef attraction.
With the branded recycled paper bags the company can still advertise its business, as well as its focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainable work practices.
A spokesperson for SeaWorld also admitted that the response to this reemphasised commitment from guests, the general public and team members "has been extremely positive".
Meanwhile Jim Atchison, president and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, claimed that it was a significant change for the company and "one we hope will provide a model for our industry overall". |
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