Yosemite Blog

Aramark Destinations’ Environmental Innovations: Greening Operations with Pallet Wrapz and Plastic Film Recycling

Fri, 03 May 2024 09:00:07 -0500

Behind the scenes at Yosemite National Park, Aramark Destinations has implemented innovative practices to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling efforts. Through the adoption of Pallet Wrapz and collaboration with Trex, Aramark Destinations is revolutionizing its internal operations, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.

Pallet Wrapz: A Greener Alternative to Plastic Wrap

Before Pallet Wrapz adoption, vendors shipped goods to Yosemite Hospitality wrapped in plastic film. After counting and marking all the boxes, the pallet was rewrapped and stored in an onsite warehouse, contributing to plastic waste generation. However, recognizing the need for change, Aramark Destinations made a pivotal switch to Pallet Wrapz. Pallet Wrapz is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic film because it can be reused thousands of times. This more efficient wrapping solution helps streamline operations and significantly reduces plastic waste by eliminating the second plastic wrapping of the pallet. By adopting Pallet Wrapz, Aramark Destinations saves approximately 800,000 square feet of plastic wrap waste annually, demonstrating the commitment to sustainable practices.

Trex: Turning Plastic Film Recycling into Sustainable Products

Recycling plastic film is a challenging endeavor due to its non-recyclable nature. However, Yosemite Hospitality has found a solution through a fruitful partnership with Trex, a company that specializes in recycling plastic film. Trex repurposes the collected plastic film into eco-friendly products like decking boards and picnic tables. The success of this collaboration lies in a unique partnership with the Mariposa County landfill. The landfill not only stores the plastic film collected from Aramark Destinations but also extends the service to other Mariposa County businesses, expanding the positive impact on plastic waste reduction.

Environmental Impact and Ongoing Success

Aramark Destinations' green initiatives are making a substantial difference in plastic waste reduction and recycling efforts at Yosemite National Park. The adoption of Pallet Wrapz has dramatically decreased plastic wrap waste, saved valuable resources, and contributed to a cleaner environment. Additionally, the collaboration with Trex and the Mariposa County landfill further enhances the company's commitment to sustainability, transforming previously non-recyclable plastic film into durable, eco-friendly products.

Preserving Nature, Empowering Guests: Introducing the Yosemite Water Conservation Pledge

Wed, 01 May 2024 15:10:03 -0500

At Aramark Destinations, environmental stewardship is at the core of our operations. We are deeply committed to preserving and protecting our cherished National Parks. From sourcing local products to waste reduction and embracing compostables, we ingrain sustainability into everything we do. In our quest for constant improvement, we have launched the Yosemite Water Conservation Pledge, a comprehensive initiative focused on raising awareness among our guests, fostering commitment extending beyond Yosemite, and positively impacting our planet.

The Yosemite Water Pledge

Our Yosemite Water Pledge engages our multi-night overnight guests in water conservation efforts. By encouraging simple yet impactful actions, we empower our guests to contribute to the preservation of this natural wonder and beyond. The pledge encourages guests to make a commitment during their stay to shorten showers, as keeping showers under five minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons of water per month, as well as forgo housekeeping services during their stay and commit to using a reusable water bottle while visiting. Since its launch on February 1^st, 2023, the Yosemite Water Pledge has garnered immense support from our guests. We are delighted to witness hundreds of guests who have enthusiastically committed to the pledge, demonstrating their dedication to responsible water usage and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability is Rewarding

In line with our commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing plastic waste, we are excited to provide incentives for sustainable choices. Multi-night guests who choose to forgo housekeeping services during their stay will receive a 50% discount on a Klean Kanteen available at our retail locations. This initiative encourages guests to utilize our water bottle filling stations and reduce their reliance on single-use bottles. By making this choice, guests actively participate in our journey toward achieving our zero-waste goals and contributing to a healthier planet.

Join the Movement

We invite all our guests to join us in the Yosemite Water Pledge and be part of a collective effort to protect our natural resources. By adopting water-saving practices and embracing sustainable alternatives, we can make a significant difference in preserving the beauty and integrity of our environment.

Renovating with Purpose: Aramark Destinations’ Sustainable Transformation of Curry Village

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:08:04 -0600

At Aramark Destinations, environmental stewardship is at the heart of every operation. In the recent renovation of Curry Village in Yosemite National Park, the goal was to go beyond conventional construction waste practices while achieving a remarkable diversion rate. Through focused project management, collaboration, and innovative partnerships, Aramark Destinations demonstrated its commitment to sustainability, paving the way for a greener future.

Source Reduction and Reuse

By strategically assessing existing materials and conditions, Aramark Destinations prioritized reducing waste entering the stream. The renovation project embraced the principles of reduce and reuse, incorporating character-defining redwood paneling and cork ceilings from the existing structure. This approach minimized the need for demolition and allowed for the rehabilitation of the space, preserving its unique charm and character.

Directed Separation and Recycling

Aramark Destinations’ commitment to waste diversion was evident through directed separation and recycling efforts. Demolished materials were carefully sorted, ensuring that concrete and metal components were recycled responsibly. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Anew facilitated the processing and recycling of furniture items that were no longer fit for reuse. This comprehensive approach aimed to minimize the environmental impact of the renovation and maximize resource recovery.

Embracing Recycled Materials

Beyond the construction process, Aramark Destinations extended its sustainability efforts to purchasing decisions. Recycled materials were embraced for furniture and fixtures, exemplifying a commitment to the circular economy. An outstanding example is the incorporation of EMECO chairs in the renovated space. These chairs, crafted from nearly 100 recycled water bottles each, collectively repurposed over 35,000 bottles, showcasing Aramark Destinations’ dedication to closing the recycling loop.

A Sustainable Future

The Curry Village renovation serves as a testament to Aramark Destinations’ unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability. By prioritizing source reduction, reuse, and recycling, a diversion rate of 97.26% was achieved. This commitment extends beyond a single renovation; it sets a precedent for future projects and reinforces Aramark Destinations’ position as a leader in sustainable practices. Join Aramark Destinations on the journey towards waste reduction and sustainability, where together, we can create a lasting positive impact on our environment.

Greening Yosemite: Aramark Destinations’ Sustainable Dining Initiatives

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:09:44 -0600

Aramark Destinations has been taking increasingly more sustainable steps towards reducing its environmental impact at Yosemite National Park. Aramark Destinations has embraced innovative partnerships and eco-friendly practices to enhance the dining experience of visitors. From Fresh Grill’s locally sourced ingredients and compostable packaging to the transformation of s’mores kits and the new collaboration with Napa Nuts for compostable rice paper bags, Aramark Destinations is setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable dining in one of America’s most cherished natural wonders.

Fresh Grill: Sustainable Grab-and-Go

Fresh Grill, a sustainable supplier located in Southern California, plays a crucial role in Aramark Destinations’ efforts to green their operations at Yosemite National Park. Specializing in a range of grab-and-go options, including sandwiches, salads, fruit cups, and more, Fresh Grill’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Aramark Destinations’ vision. To minimize environmental impact, Fresh Grill uses compostable packaging for its products, utilizing biodegradable wrappers and cups. Just focusing on sandwiches alone, the switch to 100% compostable packaging prevents over 20,000 sandwich wrappers from ending up in landfills annually. This eco-conscious decision not only showcases Aramark Destinations’ dedication to responsible sourcing but also provides visitors with delicious and environmentally friendly dining choices.

S’mores Kits – A Shift Towards Compostable Packaging

Even the iconic s’mores kits, cherished by visitors around the campfire, have undergone a green transformation at Yosemite. Collaborating with their suppliers, Aramark Destinations sought to reduce plastic waste by making the clamshell packaging compostable. With more than 4,000 s’mores kits sold annually, this simple yet impactful change significantly contributes to Aramark Destinations’ sustainability goals.

Napa Nuts Partnership – Eliminating Plastic Waste

In another move towards a more sustainable future, Aramark Destinations partnered with Napa Nuts, a local California company, to address plastic usage at The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop. Previously using plastic bags for some candy items, the shop now embraces compostable rice paper bags which significantly reduces plastic waste. This environmentally friendly choice saves approximately 900 plastic bags from entering landfills every year. The success of this initiative has been so impactful that the program is set to expand beyond the Sweet Shop, making a broader contribution to Yosemite’s overall environmental conservation efforts.

Preserving Yosemite’s Beauty

Aramark Destinations’ commitment to sustainable suppliers and eco-friendly practices at Yosemite National Park is commendable. From partnering with Fresh Grill, a supplier dedicated to compostable packaging and sourcing its ingredients locally, to transforming the packaging of s’mores kits and embracing Napa Nuts’ compostable rice paper bags, Aramark Destinations is paving the way for responsible and sustainable dining experiences. As visitors enjoy the natural wonders of Yosemite, they can take comfort in knowing that Aramark Destinations’ eco-conscious choices align with the park’s preservation and support the local community.

Plastic Free July

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Did you know that most of the plastic we consume ends up in landfills, or worse, in our oceans, environment and even inside of us all the while taking up to 500 years to break down? Think about all the single-use plastic items you used today, last week and last month. It adds up quickly. Plastic Free July provides the resources and space for us to reflect on our daily lives and how those habits affect our environment, community, and health.

In a place as beautiful and fragile as Yosemite National Park, it’s imperative we do whatever is necessary to reduce and remove single-use plastic products we consume. That is why we are asking our community of employees who live and work in the park and guests for the month of July to consider a plastic-free July. Whether it’s eliminating all single-use plastics from your life or starting with just one thing, every person and every decision matters.

“Perfection is the enemy of progress” - Winston Churchill.

Eliminating single-use plastics from everyday life can be daunting. But you don’t have to start by eliminating every piece of single-use plastic from your life. You can start small with one or two things, then more and more until you have reduced your plastic consumption significantly or even entirely. Grab a reusable water bottle, reach for the non-plastic water bottle always choose the aluminum or paper container option for your drinks, don’t grab that straw, say no to plastic zip-top bags and pick a reusable option. Whatever it is, you can take small steps to make a big difference.

As a part of our commitment to removing single-use plastics long-term, this July we are launching a program at the Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift and Grocery Store to remove single-use plastic containers for water bottles in favor of aluminum cans.

This is just the beginning. Plastic Free July is an invitation to examine single-use plastics and perhaps eliminate even just one for good. After all, we don’t need 100 people doing it perfectly, we need millions doing it imperfectly.

For more information, resources, and support visit plasticfreejuly.org

Environmental Living & Learning Community

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Yosemite's Environmental Living & Learning Community (ELLC) is a group of Yosemite Hospitality employees finding ways to make Yosemite more sustainable. They live in a designated area of housing, and work on projects inside employee housing and throughout Yosemite Valley. Through this program they help support Yosemite Hospitality's sustainability programs and the park’s Zero Landfill Initiative.

Some projects the ELLC has worked on include:

Building and maintaining a community herb garden.
Creating community compost bins to reduce food waste.
Constructing a clothesline for employees to save electricity.
Organized weekly communal meals with environmentally friendly diets.
Monitoring our electricity and water usage.
Hosting the parks first cigarette recycling program for employee housing.

Additionally, the ELLC hosts guests speakers and workshops that are open to the community. Some examples of past workshops include:

"Mental Health While Living in a National Park", with legendary rock climber Ron Kauk.
"Creating Facelift", with Yosemite Climbing Association president Ken Yager.
"Useful Plants in Yosemite", with park naturalists and interpreters.
"The Truth About Garbage", with the Leave No Trace organization.
"Quick and Easy Vegan Cooking", with Yosemite locals.
"Sustainable Farming", with Raw Roots owner Andrew Glikin.
Organized trash clean-ups in and around Yosemite.

The ELLC is seasonal, operating from June 1st - September 1st. Typical housing for ELLC members includes platform tents with two or three roommates and communal kitchens and washrooms. Please refer to the Benefits page for more questions about living arrangements in Yosemite Valley. Outside of community projects, the ELLC promotes awareness and helps support other sustainability initiatives around Yosemite. The ELLC furthers Yosemite Hospitality’s goals by finding ways to reduce electricity consumption, recycle waste, and conserve water.

The best way to find out more about ELLC is to follow their Instagram @Yosemite.ELLC. If you are interested in working in Yosemite National Park and making a difference while you are here, consider applying to live in the ELLC.

To do so, email YosemiteELLC@aramark.com