The slogan “Every Little Bit Makes a Big Difference” holds true at The Walt Disney Company where collective action delivers significant results. At the Walt Disney World Resort, Cast Members who exemplify environmental stewardship are recognized through the annual Environmental Excellence Awards Program, and this year, nearly 300 Cast Members were honored, including three who received the coveted Jiminy Cricket Award in recognition of their long-term commitment to environmental action.

Mark Witko has been an active member of the Celebration Environmental Circle of Excellence since 2000 when he first introduced an online newsletter geared toward encouraging Cast Members to learn more about Environmentality. Since that time, Mark has continually inspired audiences into environmental action. In 2006, he spearheaded the growth of Environmentality on board the Disney Magic by helping to create multiple interactive games, including a high-tech quiz show. In addition, Mark initiated on-going campaigns to promote the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund among Crew Members and Guests. Through his role as community and government relations manager for Disney Cruise Line as well as his personal commitment, Mark remains engaged in environmental policies and critical conservation issues.

Kent Russell demonstrated his commitment to environmental stewardship by serving as the Environmental Circle of Excellence leader at Disney’s Caribbean Beach and Pop Century Resorts in 2004 and 2005. As Environmentality Champion, Kent helped the team identify a new set of goals and establish themselves as the driving force behind a successful Florida Department of Environmental Protection Green Lodging certification. Today, as the area manager of retail sales at Epcot, Kent has contributed significantly to energy conservation by implementing operational changes, such as monitoring seasonal changes and Guest flow patterns, to adjust set points for air-conditioning. In the area of Merchandise, Kent helped expand a program to save packaging materials for reuse in outgoing packages.

Marty Draeger has been honored with an Environmental Excellence Award on four occasions in recognition of his commitment to conservation. As the Environmental Circle of Excellence leader for the Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Marty encouraged the installation of energy-saving lighting sensors, helped to revitalize the linen and towel reuse program, increased recycling accessibility, and developed a wide variety of communication tools to keep the Cast informed and involved in these best practices. As a result, Marty was instrumental in guiding the resort toward a Green Lodging certification. Marty continues to demonstrate his commitment to Environmentality by serving as executive sponsor of the Environmental Circle of Excellence for Disney’s Saratoga Springs & Old Key West Resorts.