How FECs Can Improve Their Sustainability While Staying on Budget

The typical person uses 1.6 straws a day, according to Eco-Cycle, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit recyclers and Zero Waste organizations in the United States. In 2019, family entertainment centers (FECs) averaged nearly 400,000 visitors, states the IAAPA FEC Benchmark Report. 

Of course, the math isn’t exact, but based on these numbers, an FEC could run through some 640,000 straws annually. That’s a big gulp of nonrecyclable plastic that may end up in landfills and oceans.

The global pandemic forced owners and operators to pivot and adjust their business models. Many discovered their untapped spirit of innovation earlier this year while closed out of an abundance of caution. While the momentum to think and operate differently is still at work in the global attractions industry, here are a few ideas that can make a difference now or in the future.

Drawing the First Straw

While FECs can’t eliminate straws altogether, as some guests require them for medical reasons, Andrea Froehle, vice president of marketing and communications for Event Network in San Diego, California, says there are alternatives. For example, FECs can limit straw use by only offering them when guests ask. In addition, they can consider stocking sturdy paper or reusable metal straws that can serve as an eco-friendlier alternative.

“It’s important to be mindful of the waste we put out into the world,” Froehle says. “As you evaluate your operations, look to help preserve and protect the resources for our planet. Mom-and-pop FECs may think they can’t make an impact, but when everyone works together, they will. Small steps can make a big difference.”

James Ward agrees, urging FECs to take a slow, bite-sized approach to their sustainability efforts.

“It’s a project, not a quick fix,” stresses Ward, president and CEO of Wildlife Trading Co. in Southbury, Connecticut. “It’s going to take some time, and don’t get frustrated trying to accomplish it all in one step.”

He says facilities should make a list of short-term goals and, importantly, celebrate those wins when an item gets checked off. 

Here are some other ways FECs can keep the environment in mind while staying on a budget.

Limit Plastic 

While many operators changed their business plans following COVID-19, Froehle advises FEC managers to conduct a plastic audit of their operations. Once facilities have a handle on their overall plastic consumption, they can better examine the biggest culprits and make changes from there. 

“It doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds,” she says. “There’s a lot you’re doing that can be easily modified.”

Plastic bags may rank high on the list, so like plastic straws, only give one out if asked—or better yet, switch to branded reusable bags, often made from recycled soda bottles and milk jugs. Froehle says a reusable bag can become a great marketing piece after the pandemic when guests reuse it to carry groceries, library books, or lunch to the office. 

Ward says FECs shouldn’t fear the pushback on eliminating single-use bags, which his company did four years ago at the 30 locations it works with. 

“One of the biggest initial questions we had from managers was, ‘What happens when people complain that they want a bag?’ I could easily count on one hand how many complaints we received. People shift quickly, and consumers today—especially young families—are used to these changes. In fact, they’re the ones pushing for it more.”

Along with ditching single-use plastic bags, Ward’s locations nixed plastic bottles in favor of cans, glass, and aluminum bottles for beverages. They installed a refilling station and sold reusable bottles as well. “We saw no negative impact on our revenue as a result,” he says.

Work Together

FECs also can look at the plastic coming into their facilities via packaging, Ward says. “You will find a lot of single-use plastic being used inside shipping boxes.”

He recommends owners and operators contact their vendors to inquire about alternatives. If the company seems reluctant to change its practices, he suggests FECs collaborate to make a request that can lead to a course correction.

“Ask vendors, ‘How are you becoming more sustainable?’ and tell them, ‘We don’t want to see things wrapped in plastic. Please think of unique ways to package products,’” Ward says.

Make a Switcheroo

More likely than not, FECs have many other areas that can be swapped for Earth-friendly alternatives. For example, drop plastic foam for cardboard; remove plastic tags in favor of stickers; and use Falconboard for signage, which is made primarily from renewable forest resources and completely recyclable. 

“We don’t use plastic signs anymore,” Froehle says. “There are options out there.”

Redemption for Charity

In addition to traditional redemption merchandise, consider adding a way for guests to use their tickets to benefit a charity instead, Froehle says. For instance, 500 points equal a $5 donation, 1,000 for $10, and so on. 

“Kids want to make an impact, and this lets them contribute,” she says, noting FECs could give them a thank-you sticker as an acknowledgment of their good deed.

Redeem Sustainability

FECs also can sprinkle in more environmentally friendly items into the redemption mix. The aforementioned metal straws could be a nice addition, Froehle says. “Children are becoming more aware and doing what they can to support environmental initiatives.” 

Ward suggests something like his company’s “plastic-conscious” stuffed animals, which feature 100% recycled plush material; no plastic beans, whiskers, glitter, or sequins; fiberfill made from 100% recycled plastic; and uncoated hangtags attached with string instead of a plastic tagger.

Tell the Story

For an FEC’s sustainability efforts to truly work, leadership needs to buy in and spearhead all the changes, Ward says. “If that’s not the case, it won’t be successful.” From there, the management team must educate the front-line staff on the “why” and continue to reinforce the key points: Remind them to ask if a guest needs a straw or bag; don’t just blindly hand them out.

In addition, facilities should include signs throughout the venue on the value of being eco-friendly and how customers can make a difference while there. At Ward’s locations near where guests can purchase reusable bottles, signage presents a few key facts, such as 91% of plastic isn’t recycled, according to National Geographic.

“Guests see the momentum and want to do their part,” Ward says.  

Contact Funworld Contributing Editor Mike Bederka at [email protected].