Theme parks are turning eco-friendly

• Mar. 4 by Peggy Sue (0)

The prospect of green theme parks in the UK has just become a lot more realistic as America has introduced Environmentaland, the world’s first eco-theme park.

In the West Midlands our very own Drayton Manor has it’s own strong environmental targets and policies.

However Environmentaland offers theme goers the chance to learn about the environment as well as have fun on numerous attractions inspired by being green as well as trying something that can not be found anywhere else.

Environmentaland

For music lovers there’s Recycled Paper Plan Shoot Out, inspired by M.I.As top 10 single, Paper Planes. After completing an Environmentaland test where points can be won for correctly answering questions, the paper used is made into an airplane as you complete the next stage by trying to hit a bull’s eye. If successful the prize is the opportunity to win Coachella festival tickets, Fuel TV skate decks and more.

The theme park is not your typical bumper car, scary ride, thrill seeking day out.

The energy playground is a sure hit as the power station offers people the chance to become a human power plant.

An energy see-saw is used to power your mobile devices, a hand-powered listening station to sample unreleased music from some of the biggest bands around.

To add further to this a bike can even be used to power a TV, ipods and other similar devices so that you can have a workout whilst listening to some of your favourite tunes and having fun.

Drayton Manor

Environmentalands success has given hope that the UK will soon have an entirely ‘green’ theme park.

Laura from Drayton Manor explained what policies are already in place and their future plans for making the theme park more environmentally friendly.

Their main objectives for the future of the park and becoming more environmentally friendly are to increase the bio-diverswity of the park by planting trees, reducing the carbon footprint of each visitor by 15% over the next five years by encourage publoic transport and increasing recycling rates.

Overall, Drayton Manor aims to illustrate how both business and individuals can make a difference in improving the environment and fighting climate change.

Laura from Drayton Manor commented:

“Drayton Manor’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted by the creation of an Environmental Policy, which includes targets to be met over the next five years”.

Other initiatives put in place include, ‘Soft-Start’ systems installed in major rides to optimise power usage, carrier bags and plastic cups are 100% biodegradable, major partner in Tamworth Cycleway scheme – encourages cycle transport, partnership with CrossCountry Trains to provide a shuttle bus service between the theme park and Tamworth station during the busy summer months.