The Happiest Green Place on Earth

I can't help it, when the weather gets all nice and I turn that page from May to June, I start thinking summer vacay. And with gas prices reaching astronomical heights, I'm thinking local. Some place like DISNEYLAND!

If you need a reason to go besides the child-like thrill of giving Snow White a big ol' hug (or is it just me?), how about the fact that Disneyland is leading the march towards theme park greeny-ness. And they've got more going on than a trained army of trash-picker-uppers keeping the asphalt pristine...and streetmosphere.

Case in points:

• The new "Finding Nemo" attraction, nestled in the former submarine lagoon, is decorated with brilliantly hued recycled glass, 45 distinct colors in all, to create the illusion of a coral reef.
• Disneyland resorts recycle 4,000 tons of stuff every year, sorting more than 25,000 plastic bottles and cans during the high summer season.
• The proceeds from the recyclables collected in the park's offices and employee areas are donated to local charities. Canine Companions for Independence was the recipient of a five-figure chunk o' change.
• Instead of toxic pesticides to protect those elaborate topiaries tucked around "It's a Small World," they use sting-free Taxmaria wasps to drive away destructive critters.
• The Disneyland Railroad runs on clean-burning B98 biodiesel. Does someone smell fries?
• The gigantic Columbia ship that cruises the lake is powered by compressed natural gas.

So as far as crushing, world wide conglomerates go, it could be worse. Dying know more? Check THIS out and go HERE to read Disney's Environmental Report. And remember: "A dream is a wish your heart makes...to end global warming."