https://www.travelyosemite.com/blog/ Articulate, blogging built on Umbraco 26857 https://www.travelyosemite.com/blog/archive/aramark-destinations-environmental-innovations-greening-operations-with-pallet-wrapz-and-plastic-film-recycling/ Articles Sustainability <p>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.</p> <h3>Pallet Wrapz: A Greener Alternative to Plastic Wrap</h3> <p>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.</p> <h3>Trex: Turning Plastic Film Recycling into Sustainable Products</h3> <p>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.</p> <h3>Environmental Impact and Ongoing Success</h3> <p>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.  </p> Fri, 03 May 2024 09:00:07 -0500 2024-05-03T09:00:07-05:00 18270 https://www.travelyosemite.com/blog/archive/environmental-living-learning-community/ News Sustainability <p><span>Yosemite's Environmental Living &amp; 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. </span></p> <p><span>Some projects the ELLC has worked on include: </span></p> <ul> <li><span>Building and maintaining a community herb garden.</span></li> <li><span>Creating community compost bins to reduce food waste.</span></li> <li><span>Constructing a clothesline for employees to save electricity.</span></li> <li><span>Organized weekly communal meals with environmentally friendly diets.</span></li> <li><span>Monitoring our electricity and water usage.</span></li> <li><span>Hosting the parks first cigarette recycling program for employee housing. </span><span></span></li> </ul> <p><span>Additionally, the ELLC hosts guests speakers and workshops that are open to the community. Some examples of past workshops include: </span></p> <ul> <li><span>"Mental Health While Living in a National Park", with legendary rock climber Ron Kauk.</span></li> <li><span>"Creating Facelift", with Yosemite Climbing Association president Ken Yager.</span></li> <li><span>"Useful Plants in Yosemite", with park naturalists and interpreters.</span></li> <li><span>"The Truth About Garbage", with the Leave No Trace organization.</span></li> <li><span>"Quick and Easy Vegan Cooking", with Yosemite locals.</span></li> <li><span>"Sustainable Farming", with Raw Roots owner Andrew Glikin.</span></li> <li><span>Organized trash clean-ups in and around Yosemite. </span><span></span></li> </ul> <p><span>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. </span></p> <p><span>The best way to find out more about ELLC is to follow their Instagram <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/Yosemite.ELLC/" target="_blank" title="Yosemite ELLC Instagram Page">@Yosemite.ELLC</a>. 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. </span></p> <p><span>To do so, email <a href="mailto:YosemiteELLC@aramark.com" title="Email Yosemite ELLC">YosemiteELLC@aramark.com</a></span></p> Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:00:00 -0500 2019-09-17T09:00:00-05:00