Disneyland Implements Programs to Reduce Emissions

 

As part of its ongoing commitment to the environment, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, recently announced two environmental initiatives which help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The tourist resort is using compressed natural gas to fuel the guest trams and recycled cooking oil to power its Disneyland Railroad steam trains and Mark Twain riverboat.

The Disneyland Railroad is being fueled by a special biodiesel which is made from recycled cooking oil, and although the resort has been recycling the used kitchen grease for years, this is the first time they’ve used it to fuel the railroad. According to Frank Dela Vara, director of environmental affairs and conservation at the resort, by recycling the oil used to cook French Fries and other foods to fuel the railroad and the riverboat, the resort will save approximately 200,000 gallons of petroleum diesel per year.

The Disneyland Railroad’s five trains have been using a soy-based biodiesel since April 2007. The B99.9 used cooking oil-based biodiesel will continue to reduce emissions by up to 80 percent.

In December, all 16 Disneyland Resort trams, which transport guests between the two theme parks and parking facilities, have been fueled by clean-burning compressed natural gas. Using compressed natural gas eliminates the need for approximately 50,000 gallons of diesel per year. For the 10 years prior to the conversion, diesel/hybrid engines powered Disneyland trams.

Taking steps to reduce Disneyland Resort’s environmental footprint, these initiatives demonstrate Disneyland Resort’s commitment to helping balance the environment with more changes on the way.