'Disingenuous': Blogger slates Auckland aquarium Kelly Tarlton's anti-plastic image

Kelly Tarlton's has been accused of "greenwashing" by a blogger who claims the establishment doesn't live up to its brand as a "bastion of ocean conservation and sustainability".

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, opened in 1985, claims to be taking a "proactive role" in promoting conservation. But blogger Bridgid Maree O'Brien says the establishment preaches "planet preservation while peddling plastic pollution".

Her recent visit, she says, revealed a number of measures that "portray Kelly Tarlton's as a true champion of greenwashing", which Ms O'Brien defines as false marketing to portray products, activities or policies as environmentally sustainable.

"In the cafe are shelves of beverages in plastic bottles, and snacks wrapped in single-use plastics," she says.

"The so-called eco-cups are 'false solutions' - they are commercially compostable only, and guess what, there's no compost bin provided."

Founded by marine archaeologist Kelly Tarlton, the establishment prides itself on promoting sustainability for the oceans. Its website says it has removed all plastic straws from the cafe and functions, and all its paper plates and cutlery are biodegradable.

But that's not good enough for Ms O'Brien, who says the "supreme award" for greenwashing goes to Kelly Tarlton's.

"I call upon Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's to drop the greenwashing act and step up as a genuine sustainability leader," she says, adding that there are "hidden" plastics for sale at the establishment such as plastic-containing clothing and soft toys.

"Where will they eventually end up? Recycled plastic is still plastic, which cannot be recycled indefinitely so ultimately is destined for disposal."

A spokesperson for Kelly Tarlton's said the company has done its best to curb plastic use in the establishment, and pointed to the various efforts it has made so far.

"Like many businesses around Auckland and across the globe, we know there is still work to when it comes to reducing plastic pollution.

"Every day, we aim to educate our guests on the dangerous affect plastic has on marine life through daily education talks and signage throughout the attraction."

Kelly Tarlton's is home to New Zealand's only turtle rehabilitation centre, which has successfully rehabilitated and released more than 100 turtles in the past 20 years, according to the company, many of whom who have been affected by plastic pollution.

The turtle rescue station didn't go unnoticed by Ms O'Brien, which she admits is "heart-melting". But to the "untrained eye", she says the aquarium is portraying a false sense of empathy.

Kelly Tarlton's, however, says it's aware it has a "long way to go", and says the establishment is committed to reducing its impact on the environment "wherever we can".

Kelly Tarlton's is known for its penguin sanctuary.
Kelly Tarlton's is known for its penguin sanctuary. Photo credit: Newshub

"We are actively working on reducing plastic throughout the attraction and have recently introduced a number of key initiatives including the removal of all plastic straws and shopping bags," the spokesperson said.

"In addition, we are actively revising our product ranges when suppliers cannot change their excessive plastic wrap on products.

"Whilst we can't completely eradicate plastic from our business overnight, we're working hard with our partners to make continued improvements to ensure our oceans and its marine life remain healthy for generations to come."

Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage confirmed last month that all single-use plastic bags will be banned by the middle of next year. The ban was flagged by Ms Sage and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in August.

Ms O'Brien has called on the Government to adopt Grenpeace's Plastic-Free NZ action plan, which targets "plastic offenders" - including disposable cutlery, plastic bags, food wrappers, coffee cups and other takeaway packaging, among others.

She also called on Kelly Tarlton's to "drop the greenwashing act and step up as a genuine sustainability leader".

Newshub.