SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has removed polystyrene-foam dinnerware from the dining operations from all 12 of its attractions, including SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica water park in Central Florida, the company announced Tuesday.
The foam bowls, plates and trays — which are not biodegradable — have been replaced with items made from 100 percent recycled material, SeaWorld said.
The company estimates that it has been using 14 million pieces of polystyrene foam dinnerware a year. The ban keeps those products out of local landfills, the ocean and other animal habitats.
“This achievement is another step toward becoming greater stewards of our oceans, their animals and our planet,” said Andrew Ngo, corporate vice president of in-park revenue.
Last year, the company removed single-use plastic straws and plastic coffee stirrers from its parks. It got rid of single-use plastic shopping bags in 2013, SeaWorld says.
Orlando-based SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates a dozen attractions, including Busch Gardens theme parks in Tampa and Williamsburg, Va.; SeaWorld parks in San Antonio and San Diego; and Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa.
