SeaWorld removes polystyrene foam dinnerware from all its parks

SeaWorld announced Tuesday that it will remove all polystyrene foam plates, trays and bowls from its 12 parks and replace it with dinnerware made from 100 percent recycled material.

Polystyrene foam, although great for retaining heat, is not biodegradable.

"This change allows us to save an estimated 14 million pieces of polystyrene foam dinnerware which is resistant to decomposition and difficult to recycle, from entering the environment each year," says Andrew Ngo, SeaWorld's corporate vice president of in-park revenue, in a statement. "Reducing our environmental footprint is an important part of our mission, and this achievement is another step toward becoming greater stewards of our oceans, their animals and our planet."

This change comes less than a year after SeaWorld banned plastic straws and coffee stirrers from its parks.

Some U.S. cities that have banned polystyrene include New York City, St. Petersburg and Maui County in Hawaii.

Get our top picks for the best events in Orlando every Thursday morning. Sign up for our weekly Events newsletter.