Lessons for Home Learned from Disney and Universal

With so many people planning their spring and summer vacations right now, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at how major theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are working to be more eco-friendly and how we can learn from that. My brother did the Disney College Program as a custodian a few years ago and hearing his stories about what goes on behind the scenes at Disney had me thinking about how we could apply their ideas here. From small changes to community-wide plans, it turns out, there’s a lot we can learn from them right here in Dalton, Georgia.

Waste management is a good place to begin. Just as Disney has worked diligently to divert waste from landfills, Dalton can adopt similar practices. The resort diverts thousands of tons of operational waste from landfills each year, in part by composting food scraps and Dalton’s businesses and households can take similar steps by expanding local composting initiatives through things like at-home composting or community composting at schools, like Brookwood Elementary, or community gardens.

The other way Disney is heading toward their goal of zero-waste is through recycling materials such as glass, plastic, and aluminum. We can also help make sure we are recycling as much as possible and encouraging others to do so as well in public spaces and at home. At home, make sure you have clearly labeled recycling bins in heavy traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom. This way guests and even your family is more likely to actually recycle their items.

Both Disney and Universal encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. This simple habit could be widely adopted in Dalton, reducing plastic waste in schools, offices, and public spaces. Additionally, Universal’s hotel linen program, which only washes towels when they are discarded on the floor, is a reminder of how small behavioral changes can conserve water and energy in our own homes. For example, it is recommended to only wash your jeans every two to three wears unless they are muddy or have food spills on them. This helps them last longer and has the additional benefit of saving you some water. Check your laundry and make sure you aren’t making your work harder by over laundering.

Disney has invested heavily in solar power, using large-scale solar farms to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This shift toward renewable energy is something Dalton can explore on a smaller scale, with local businesses and houses installing solar panels. Our utility companies like Dalton Utilities, GA Power Company, purchase or generate solar power as a source and North GA EMC offers help in understanding and planning using solar panels at your home or business.

Universal’s approach to energy efficiency through LED lighting, reflective roofing, and high-efficiency equipment demonstrates how small choices in homes and businesses can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption.

While it might not be feasible for you to install a solar farm in your backyard, there are still accessible ways to reduce energy consumption. We can switch out our lights for LED lighting, consider opting for high-efficiency appliances, and consider cooling methods if we are building or remodeling our homes.

These parks make it clear that sustainability isn’t a sacrifice, it’s an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for everyone, while ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same breathtaking landscapes, pristine environments, and thrilling adventures.

In a town like Dalton, Georgia, where sustainability might not always be top of mind, there are simple, actionable steps that individuals and groups can take. We may not have Disney-level resources, but what we do have is the power of community and creativity. The magic is not just in the moments we create, but in how we sustain the world that allows us to enjoy those moments for years to come.

Amy Hartline is the recycling and education program coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority. Have a recycling question? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.