Construction Update: As we enhance the look and feel of the Aquarium and make structural improvements to the penguin exhibit, some exhibits are temporarily closed, and the penguins are off exhibit until February 13. Learn more.
PRESS RELEASE
Aquarium’s café goes plastic-free as part of sustainability commitment
Phasing out plastic items a decade in the making for Harbor View Café
BOSTON, MASS. (Feb. 9, 2026) – The New England Aquarium, in collaboration with its hospitality partner, Sodexo Live!, is celebrating the removal of all single-use plastics from its on-site dining and concessions, a milestone that has been a decade in the making.
The Aquarium began the process of eliminating single-use plastics from the Harbor View Café in 2017 to be more environmentally responsible and emphasize the commitment of the institution to protect the blue planet. Utensils, serving ware, beverage bottles, and many food products in the café have been plastic-free for some time, replaced with recyclable or compostable versions. This past year, however, marked an important step in the Aquarium’s sustainability journey as it worked closely with the Sodexo Live! team to remove 33 percent of its café menu items that had plastic or non-compostable packaging. This included yogurt cups and boxes of cereal; bags of pretzels, popcorn, and chips; and individually packaged cookies and desserts.
“Plastics are the most common form of marine debris, and as an ocean conservation organization, it is important that we lead by example—phasing out plastics and reducing waste that goes to landfill,” said Suzanne Liola Matus, Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Visitor Experience at the New England Aquarium.
Among the other changes to the café, individual plastic condiment packages have been replaced with portion-controlled dispensers. Candy and snack packaging can be composted commercially or at home. The dining services team also uses biodegradable cups and compostable to-go containers.
“We’re excited to celebrate this milestone at the café and are proud to support the New England Aquarium’s mission by transforming operations in ways that reduce waste, protect ocean health, and prove that sustainability and a great guest experience can go hand in hand,” said Juli Shultz, Sodexo Live! General Manager. “This wasn’t something that happened overnight, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have in the years to come.”
As an ocean conservation organization, the New England Aquarium has been steadily working toward removing plastic from its operations over the years. In 2017, it eliminated plastic straws and single-use plastic take-away bags, followed by replacing all plastic beverage bottles with aluminum in 2018. The Aquarium then took the significant step in 2024, in partnership with retail partner Event Network, to replace all plastic products in its gift shop with those that are plastic-free, biodegradable, or constructed from recycled plastic materials.
The New England Aquarium is committed to leading by example by implementing green and sustainable practices across all areas of its operations. This includes using sustainable energy sources, reducing waste, and growing its own live food in-house when possible.
MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—psnyder@neaq.org