Disney Parks Celebrates Sustainability, Conservation Milestones on Earth Day

Image: PHOTO: Disney Parks celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. (photo courtesy of Disney Parks)
Image: PHOTO: Disney Parks celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. (photo courtesy of Disney Parks)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:20 AM ET, Thu April 23, 2020

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Disney Parks is celebrating some impressive milestones of its own, including 30 years of dedicated Disney Parks' environmental and sustainability initiatives and 25 years of the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF).

It's also been approximately one year since National Geographic joined the Disney family.

For the past three decades, Disney Parks has been implementing programs in support of waste and emissions reduction as well as water and resource conservation.

Notable efforts include eliminating more than 88 tons of plastic within Disney Parks around the world annually by removing plastic straws and stirrers and constructing solar facilities that reduce Disney Parks' greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking almost 10,000 cars off of the road.

Meanwhile, the DCF has generated millions of dollars to help protect hundreds of species of wildlife since it was first established in 1995.

"We can all celebrate the impact that the Disney Conservation Fund has had over the past 25 years by proudly directing more than $100 million to conservation organizations working to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet-helping to ensure a future for more than 1,000 species of wildlife around the world," said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks.

In celebration of Earth Day, Penning will launch his #AskDrMark Instagram series on Wednesday (@DrMarkatDisney), during which he'll answer questions from followers about wildlife and conservation.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...