In honor of Earth Month, Disney is putting the spotlight on the award winners of the 2026 Disney Environmental Champion of the Year (DECOY) Awards.
Celebrating Cast Member Efforts Towards a Sustainable World
In post shared on the company-official Life at Disney website, Disney Experiences has announced its 2026 Disney Environmental Champion of the Year Awards as part of its Earth Month recognition.
The awards recognize employees whose projects and leadership have helped reduce environmental impact across both guest-facing and behind-the-scenes operations.
At Walt Disney World, senior mechanical engineer Jared (pictured above, center image) was recognized for his role in the refurbishment of Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.
Jared’s work on the project helped the pool area save thousands of gallons of water each day, with the company crediting his engineering expertise and collaboration across teams for helping move toward broader environmental targets.
Another award spotlights a Hotels & Resorts team effort at Walt Disney World centered on reducing single-use plastics throughout hotel guest amenities. The multi-year initiative has removed plastic packaging from bath products and vanity kits, a change expected to keep millions of plastic pieces out of the waste stream.
Housekeeping managers Tommy, Summer, and Katie were recognized for helping implement the transition by identifying replacement products, developing labels that matched Disney’s presentation standards, and refining new refill procedures.
Over at Disneyland Resort, retail cast member Valerie was honored for encouraging fellow employees in New Orleans Square and Bayou Country to support the resort’s Zero Waste to Landfill efforts.
Valerie helped educate fellow cast members on waste-sorting practices, promoted participation in existing recycling programs, and worked with leadership to launch additional zero-waste efforts.
Senior sourcing specialist Jason Horn was also recognized for long-running work tied to supply chain sustainability, including efforts involving sustainable seafood, recyclable packaging, and locally raised beef during his four decades at the resort.
Last but not least, the Disneyland Resort Candy Production team was named the 2026 Environmental Team of the Year, citing a multi-year effort to reduce waste in its operation.
The team expanded its sustainability work from tracking waste output to changing production practices in ways that cut the use of parchment paper, plastic wrap, and food scraps. Disney also highlighted a partnership with Circle D Ranch in which unused apples from candy production are redirected as treats for the horses that work on Main Street, U.S.A.
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