You’ve no doubt seen them at your local grocery store. And you may even use them on a regular basis. They are those reusable bags you can purchase to help cut down on the use of plastic bags. And you’re about to see them popping up all over Orlando, in more than just the grocery store.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced back in April that the company would eliminate plastic bags at all ten of its theme parks, which include SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove, Aquatica and Adventure Island – all located in Central Florida.
The company has said that the eco-friendly move will help keep an estimated 4 million plastic bags from entering landfills and the environment annually. SeaWorld is known for rescuing marine wildlife such as endangered sea turtles that sometimes mistake plastic bags for food such as jellyfish. In fact, the green initiative all started at SeaWorld San Diego in 2011 when the park discontinued the use of plastic bags to mark the opening of its new Turtle Reef attraction. Last month, SeaWorld Orlando followed suit when the park opened its newest attraction TurtleTrek.
"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.
Instead of the usual plastic bags SeaWorld park’s gift shops will offer paper bags made from 100 percent recycled paper, or reusable bags that guests can purchase. Both should be available within the next year.
In the meantime, SeaWorld’s newest attraction, the TurtleTrek attraction urges guests to join in conserving the world we share, offering tips on how to do so throughout the experience. And when you buy something at TurtleTrek’s gift shop not only will your item come in a recycled bag, but a portion of each dollar spent will go towards in-the-field research to help save animals.
In addition to eliminating plastic bags, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is also ushering in other ways for park goers to help save the environment. SeaWorld Parks along with the Coca-Cola Company are introducing drinking cups made with 85 percent renewable resources as part of a new 10-year partnership. So don’t be surprised when your Coke comes in a different cup than usual.

To experience a greener SeaWorld Orlando and its sister parks you can find discounted SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment tickets right here on Best of Orlando.