GoGreen

December 5, 2013 Image

Euro Disney develops green destinations

Hello all, previously this week everyone has touched on how Disney parks use innovative thinking to maximize their environmental stewardship. Today, I will be sharing with you two resort locations that will blow your mind. Disney’s environmental sustainability parallels with their parks.

Disneyland has partnered with the public to develop a model town focused on energy innovation and ecosystem treatment; it is called Val d’Europe. Euro Disney started this   partnership in 1987 and has been extended to 2030, with an emphasis on improving the community of France as a whole in the present and for future generations. This town provides housing for Disneyland Paris employees, as well as increases the need for labor.  They continue to build the public facilities. They have a smaller university called Marne-la-Vallée, daycare centers, nurseries, five media libraries, and they recently opened a new hospital. Val d’Europe is focused on benefiting the community by developing this “new town” that demonstrates environmental goals. Disney is definitely going above and beyond with this idea. Euro Disney really helped develop this major urban center into something special that brings a community together while staying green.

Here is a bird's eye view of Villages Nature. So much green!

Here is a bird’s eye view of Villages Nature. So much green!

It seems to be a trend developing overseas, but Euro Disney and Pierre & Vacances joined forced to develop a new concept of a vacation destination that harmonizes humans and nature. This destination will be called Villages Nature and will be located just South of the Disney Paris Park. They developed a Sustainable Action Plan that relies on ten measurable targets aimed at reducing the destination’s ecological footprint, ensuring social responsibility, and developing synergies with the local communities. They are targeting European consumers and will offer a unique experience where they can connect with nature. 90% of the resort is retained as green space giving guests plenty of space and ultimate relaxation.

The resort is going to offer numerous recreational and learning activities hoping to inspire future generations to be environmental friendly. I think it is great that Disney is reaching out to our generation in hope for a better future for all. Across this resort will be nothing better energy efficient sources. It will be heated by a deep geothermal source that will produce no greenhouse gas emissions! Their corporate social responsibility isn’t just saving our planning, but it is creating 4,500 job opportunities once this resort is fully operational.

Seems like America’s environmental stewardship is behind France’s. I’m not complaining though, Disney has contributed so much to our planet and encourages everyone to as well.

 

November 14, 2013

Giving Back the Magic

disneyHello all, my name is Alyssa and today I will be informing you on the wonderful way Disney incorporates CSR in all of their subsidiaries. I am currently a junior here at CU Boulder and am majoring in Finance.  Ever since I was a kid, I have always been in love with Disney, from watching movies on the Disney Channel to screaming my head off on Space Mountain. Not only do they create magical experiences and provide entertainment for their customers, but also they focus on giving back to society. I am all about giving back to those around me and did not realize how Disney is well known for the corporate social responsibility until recently.

For those of you who don’t know, The Walt Disney Company has five different business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. These segments combined make Disney a leading diversified international family entertainment company. They strive to create and market responsible, high-quality products and entertainment experiences. Within their media network segments, Disney pushes the importance of a healthy diet. They take a leadership role on this and have strict standards on food advertising on their Disney-owned television channels and radio stations.

Not only are they concerned about our well being, but Disney takes pride in their environmental goals. Disney’s environmental stewardship and nature conservations began at an early stage due to Walt Disney’s love for nature. Today they make eco-friendly television commercials to help redefine CSR within their company. Their parks and resorts contribute so much to the environment, and that is why it is my favorite subsidiary of Disney. One-third of Disney resort property is dedicated to wildlife conservation!

Disney’s parks and resorts also keep a constant sustainability focus in terms of water usage, air, land, animals, forests, minerals, fossil fuels, and other natural resources. Their goals are to reduce their impact on those listed and encourage environmental stewardship companies. Their waste management program reduces solid waste sent to landfill and continues to build recycling programs at every park. They also continue increase the recycled content used in their products, from PhotoPass plastic cards to merchandise bags in their stores.

Consumer products consist of organic t-shirts and post-consumer recycled accessories and stationary. Interactive media and studio entertainment both contribute to the well being of children by creating content that is educational, entertaining, and inspirational. They also take in safety measures and create a safe environment for all ages online and in the studios.

What if all companies followed in Disney’s footsteps and cared about the environment as much as them! Could you imagine what the environment would be like today?!

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Tune in next week to see how Disney’s Cruise Line Industry innovates a sustainable environment on and off the ship. Did you know that each ship has an environmental officer onboard to monitor ships and teach environmental education lessons? Learn more in next week’s blog posts!