Sustaining+Mass+Entertainment



Disney World may be the most magical place in the world but is it draining Earth's mojo?

It can sometimes feel as though nearly everything is a sustainability problem. From the cars we drive to the plastic bottles we use and pollute the earth with. More often than not, we are reminded it’s the smaller things that each of us do that add up in the long run that contributes to the sustainability issue at hand. But what about the “big” things many of us do? What about all those huge concerts we love to attend and those magical theme parks we all visited as children. What about those countless baseball games you attended with your dad or the horse races at Saratoga. Surely, these mass events, the few times where we all can simply relax and wind back, cannot be a sustainability issue. Think again.

 The topic in itself is somewhat taboo. None of us want to put a damper on the magic and special place attractions such as Disney World and Seaworld have tenderly carved into our hearts. If one thinks about it deeper though, the astronomical cost of running such massive operations becomes more and more apparent. For starters, amusement parks such as Sea World, Universal Studios, and Disney World are massive in size. Disney World alone spans 30,080 acres of land filled with shops, rides, theaters, and stadiums which all require tremendous amounts of energy. Furthermore, during the peak hours of the holidays, resorts such as Disney World and Universal Studios accommodate thousands of guests and visitors and often times put on special holiday shows and parades that many times drain additional resources. The week of the holiday season at theme parks are often accompanied by daily fireworks displays which contribute to air pollution. A rough estimate of the carbon footprint of Disneyland which is significantly smaller in size than Disney World, factoring in the large number of visitors reveals that an operation such as Disney Land has a carbon footprint of over 2,880,000 acres. That being said, the planet would only be able to sustain 9600 Disneylands. With this disturbing calculation is there any political or cultural pressure on these organizations to change? Theme parks from a regulatory perspective center more around safety regulations rather than promoting sustainability initiatives. Despite this lack of pressure, certain parks have taken some progressive steps towards becoming more sustainable operations. Surprisingly enough, one of the forerunners in becoming more sustainable is in fact Walt Disney World. From the promotion of reusable mugs, to paper reduction initiatives along with aggressive recycling initiatives, Disney has not only managed to reduce operating costs but has also reduced much of its carbon footprint. Many of the parks sustainability initiatives are described in detail. Simple steps such as paper reduction and the use of mugs are coupled with more advanced technologies such as more efficient heating machinery and green lighting. From a purchasing perspective, Disney began to shift its efforts towards using green technologies such as recycled paper and other post consumer recycled products. Disney has even gone so far as to invest in more creative technologies with their fireworks using air propulsion technologies rather than other chemicals to achieve the height needed for their displays. What about other forms of mass entertainment such as sporting events?

Sports have throughout history played a pivotal role in society culturally and politically. Sports are a theater where people can put aside their differences and share in an experience. Events such as the World Cup and the Olympics bring together countries and people in a constructive and peaceful display of human athleticism, courage, will, and determination. With this crucial role that sports play in society, much like the issue of populations, it is difficult to criticize the wasteful practices associated with such events. Regardless, stadium upkeep and maintenance have tremendous costs. These costs are more apparent during larger more publicized events such as the Super Bowl and the World Series. Despite this lack of pressure some stadiums and teams have taken some steps to minimize their impact on the environment.

Yankee Stadium, one of the most recognized and iconic theaters of the sport, has recently taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The current stadium, though smaller in size, consumes over nine megawatts of electricity during its peak hours; this astronomical amount is enough to power 9,000 houses. Despite this high rate of energy usage, more sustainable steps have been taken. For starters, the previously energy intensive billboard instead of using traditional lighting panels feature over 8,601,600 LED’s. Additionally biodegradable beverage cups are being used rather than traditional paper or Styrofoam versions. Despite these efforts, Yankee Stadium did not sign on with the National Resources Defense Council which launched a Team Greening program to provide teams with suggestions on how to implement sustainable technology in stadiums. Perhaps if consumers were made more aware of the importance of environmental sustainability initiatives would naturally be implemented. One of the more creative channels through which this message is spread is through Live Earth. One of the most epic concerts of our lifetime, despite its noble purpose and pure message also had an epic energy cost. Experts estimate that Live Earth had a carbon footprint of nearly 31,500 tons which is 3,000 times the amount of an average citizen in the UK.

 Because of the special place mass events such as sporting events and concerts have in society culturally, it is difficult to mandate changes that would negatively affect the experiences these institutions provide. However, because these events are so popular in the public eye they can also serve as vehicles for inspiring change. If greener initiatives are publicized and implemented in stadiums, concerts, and other forms of mass entertainment then maybe it could serve as a catalyst for future changes in various, different aspects of society.

**Works Cited ** "Fiscal Accomplishments." //Disney's Environmentality//. Walt Disney World, 2010. Web. 19 Dec. 2011. .

Ng, David. "What Is the Ecological Footprint of Disneyland." //The Terry Project//. 9 June 2008. Web. 19 Dec. 2011. .

Smith, David. "Rockin' All over the World (but Just Watch Your Carbon Footprint) | Media | The Observer." //The Guardian//. The Guardian, 7 July 2007. Web. 29 Dec. 2011. .

Wong, Vanessa. "Stadium Makes Effort to Go Green." //Thebronxbeat.org//. The Bronx Beat, 11 Apr. 2009. Web. 19 Dec. 2011. .


 * Source Annotation: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Fiscal Accomplishments." //Disney's Environmentality//. Walt Disney World, 2010. Web. 19 Dec. 2011. <http://corporate.disney.go.com/environmentality/fiscal_accomplishments.html>.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Where does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials?

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The source was published by the Disney Corporation and was a detailed analysis of the fiscal savings made possible by different sustainable initiatives. Since it is a corporate report the source is rather credible though the information must be taken with a grain of salt as the company itself could glorify some of its accomplishments.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. What is the main topic or argument of the text?

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The main topics of the text are the various sustainable initiatives that Disney has implemented in its park operations over the years. In addition to detailed reports of the different technologies implemented the article contained tables featuring the fiscal savings of various sustainable technologies.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">4. Describe at least three ways that the main topic or argument is fleshed out.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The main argument is fleshed out by a variety of means. The article features detailed descriptions of various sustainable initiatives that have been successfully implemented throughout the parks along with tables detailing the fiscal savings associated with them.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">5. What three quotes capture the critical import of the text?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“In fact, business units have implemented a series of environmental programs that have collectively produced savings of more than $31 million.”

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“In 2006, the Walt Disney World Resort established a comprehensive plan to reduce annual energy consumption by five percent property-wide.”

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“During the first year of Strive for Five, energy consumption was reduced by more than three percent across property, a value that equated to more than $1.8 million and 194,000 million British Thermal Units”

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">6. Explain how the argument and evidence in the text supports your research focus.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">My research was focused primarily around the tremendous energy usage of theme parks and whether or not sustainable initiatives were being implemented in them. This article detailed the extensive steps Disney has taken to address the impending environmental crisis.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">7. List at least two details or references from the text that you have used in your presentation and wiki post. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Disney instituted a goal to acquire 25 percent of all office supplies with recycled content.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">- As a result, extra heat generated by the HVAC boiler became available to heat the domestic water.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Source Annotation: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ng, David. "What Is the Ecological Footprint of Disneyland." //The Terry Project//. 9 June 2008. Web. 19 Dec. 2011. <http://www.terry.ubc.ca/2008/06/09/what-is-the-ecological-footprint-of-disneyland/>>.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Where does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The source was written by David Ng who’s a regular blogger on the Terry Project. The Terry Project is a community forum and site dedicated to environmental sustainability and sustainability news.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. What is the main topic or argument of the text?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The text takes a look at the sheer size and resources that large amusement parks tend to use to maintain current operations. By using various estimates on the size and power consumption of parks, the author was able to extrapolate the carbon footprint of Disneyland. Though Disneyland is a much smaller park in comparison to larger operations such as Universal Studios and its brother park Disney World which is significantly bigger, thus putting into perspective the resources these parks must require.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">4. Describe at least three ways that the main topic or argument is fleshed out.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The main argument is mostly fleshed out via statistics and equations. Through a series of estimates and calculations the author is able to extrapolate the carbon footprint of Disney Land. Accompanying graphics and pictures also help the reader visualize the impact and resource consequences of such high maintenance theme parks.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">5. What three quotes capture the critical import of the text?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“ <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">It should be noted that Disney appears to be viewing environmental issues in a relatively serious manner, with a number of programs in place. Here are a few factoids I can provide that would support this notion. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">”

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The new technology uses compressed air to lift fireworks, virtually eliminating the need for smoke-producing black powder and other materials at launch, significantly reducing ground-level smoke and noise while continuing to provide a highly entertaining show. ”

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Maybe a more interesting way to look at this, is to suggest that (using this back of the envelope calculation) given that the Earth only has about <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> [|28 billion acres available], technically, the planet would only be able to sustain 9600 Disneylands!”

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">6. Explain how the argument and evidence in the text supports your research focus.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Much of my research was focused on the environmental impact of running such massive operations such as theme parks and sporting arenas. This article really put into perspective the estimated carbon footprint of one of the most popular theme parks in the United States.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">7. List at least two details or references from the text that you have used in your presentation and wiki post.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">- <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">40,000 persons x 72 global acres/person = 2,880,000 acres.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">- <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The planet would only be able to sustain 9600 Disneylands!


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Source Annotation: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Smith, David. "Rockin' All over the World (but Just Watch Your Carbon Footprint) | Media | The Observer." //The Guardian//. The Guardian, 7 July 2007. Web. 29 Dec. 2011. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/jul/08/musicnews.broadcasting>.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Where does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials?

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">David Smith is a writer for The Observer. The Guardian and the The Observer are both reputable news sources in the UK.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. What is the main topic or argument of the text?

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The article takes a rather interesting stance on the Live Earth concerts bringing to light that even events such as this with a noble message and purpose can be somewhat hypocritical by requiring a tremendous amount of resources. This also questions where the line can be drawn on drawing attention to a cause at the expense of harming the environment.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">4. Describe at least three ways that the main topic or argument is fleshed out.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The argument is presented through interviews and accounts of the performances themselves. These are also accompanied by statistics of the costs of the event both monetary and other resources costs. Lastly the piece is tied together by the possibility that instead of actually promoting the message of fostering care for the environment, the even simply devolved into a typical concert or rock show.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">5. What three quotes capture the critical import of the text?

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“But the early acts, Genesis, Razorlight, Snow Patrol and Kasabian, raised spirits and suggested this would be more rock concert than wake for a dying planet. ”

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“A lot of stuff we tell you we have to do as well. We're probably more guilty than anyone with all this flying around and stuff.' ”

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Live Earth had also been accused of hypocrisy by bands including Arctic Monkeys, The Who and Muse, who dubbed it 'private jets for climate change'. ”

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">6. Explain how the argument and evidence in the text supports your research focus.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The focus of my research was centered on the high energy and resource consumption of theme parks and mass entertainment events. Live Earth was an excellent example in particular because it was one of the largest simultaneous mass entertainment events in history. Despite its mass resource consumption ironically the message behind the whole event was energy conservation and promoting awareness of environmental sustainability.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">7. List at least two details or references from the text that you have used in your presentation and wiki post.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Its total carbon footprint, including the artists and spectators' travel and energy consumption, was likely to have been at least 31,500 tonnes, said John Buckley of Carbonfootprint.com - more than 3,000 times the average Briton's annual footprint. ”

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 'Would you hold a hog roast to promote vegetarianism?'


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Source Annotation: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wong, Vanessa. "Stadium Makes Effort to Go Green." //Thebronxbeat.org//. The Bronx Beat, 11 Apr. 2009. Web. 19 Dec. 2011. <http://128.59.96.140/bronxbeat09/www/story.asp?id=440>.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Where does the author work, what else has s/he written about, and what are her/his credentials?

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The author is a writer for the Bronx Beat. The Bronx Beat is the students newspaper for the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and published by Columbia University.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. What is the main topic or argument of the text?

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The article is about the new Yankee Stadium and how even though it has made some advances in making its operations more sustainable, it has failed to partner with some of the leading sustainability programs in the country.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">4. Describe at least three ways that the main topic or argument is fleshed out.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">The article initially analyzes some of the advances that Yankee Stadium has implemented including improved recycling initiatives along with shifting to LED lighting fixtures. The article also compares energy consumption of the older stadium with that of the current arena along with seating size. Lastly the article points out various national sustainability initiatives that many teams throughout the country have signed onto but Yankee Stadium has failed to join.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">5. What three quotes capture the critical import of the text?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“But energy use at the new Yankee Stadium is still expected to exceed the levels at the old ballpark.”

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“In general, baseball stadiums consume more resources than do other sporting venues.”

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">“It was uncertain at press time how the National Resources Defense Council has worked with the Yankees”

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">6. Explain how the argument and evidence in the text supports your research focus.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">My research was largely focused on the energy consumption of mass entertainment events such as concerts and sporting events. No sporting arena could be more relevant to new Yorkers than our own Yankee Stadium. The article revealed that despite being touted as a “Greener” stadium, arena managers and officials have refrained form partaking in many national stadium sustainability programs.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">7. List at least two details or references from the text that you have used in your presentation and wiki post.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Con Edison expects consumption during peak periods to reach 9 megawatts, nearly twice as much as in the old stadium and enough to power 9,000 households.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Beverage cups will be biodegradable; waste will be composted; and cardboard, glass, metal, plastic and paper will be recycled.


 * Picture Sources:**

Universal Studios

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Disney World

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Seaworld:

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Superbowl

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Yankee Stadium

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Live Earth

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Saratoga Racetrack

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