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Sustainability
What is it?
Sustainability means using our resources wisely so that we can meet our needs today without taking away from what future generations will need. It’s about keeping a balance between taking care of the environment, treating people fairly, and supporting strong economies. This way, we make sure our planet stays healthy, everyone has what they need, and our communities can thrive for many years to come. In simple terms, sustainability helps us live in a way that protects our Earth and all the living things on it for the future!
Why is it important?
Sustainability is important for several key reasons:
- Taking Care of Our Planet: Sustainability means helping our Earth stay healthy. By taking care of our air, water, and animals, we make sure they can be enjoyed by everyone now and in the future!
- Saving Resources: When we practice sustainability, we use things like water and energy wisely. This helps us not waste them so that they last longer for everyone to use.
- Fighting Climate Change: By using less energy and more renewable sources, like solar power from the sun, we can help keep the climate stable. This means fewer wild weather changes, like super hot summers or strong storms.
- Helping Each Other: Sustainability also means making sure that everyone has what they need to live a happy life. This includes food, clean water, and a safe place to live, so we can all thrive together.
- Building a Better Future: When we choose sustainable practices, we can save money and create jobs that help our communities grow. Plus, people who care about the planet are often happier!
- Staying Healthy: A clean environment means cleaner air and water, which help keep us healthy. Eating healthy, locally grown food is also part of sustainability!
Sustainability is about being kind to our Earth and each other so that we can all have a good life now and in the future!
Ways to live sustainably:
Recycling
22 million tons of recyclables go into landfills each year.
Why is it important?
- Saves water and protects other resources from depleting
What is the Zoo doing?
- Recycling stations throughout the grounds
- Refillable water station
- Decrease use of plastics when possible. For example, we use paper bags in the gift shop, so guests do not take more plastic home.
What can you do at home?
- Drink from a glass or reusable water bottle
- Carry reusable grocery bags with you when you shop
- Participate in your city/county recycling program
Green Walls
A wall that is covered in greenery growing in soil; many include an integrated watering system.
Benefits:
- naturally cool external air through photosynthesis/evapotranspiration
- mitigate air pollution
- Provide thermal insulation for interior of building
What is the Zoo doing?
- Green wall at commissary
- Plans for future green walls throughout the grounds
What can you do at home?
- Hang a trellis on an interior wall to hang plants inside
- grow a vertical herb garden in your kitchen
Saving Water
What is the Zoo doing?
- Uses hoses with automatic shut-off nozzles so water does not run when not needed.
- Uses mulch around shrubs and flowers to decrease evaporation from soil.
What can you do at home?
- Only do laundry when you have a full load
- Don't pre-rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher
- Regularly check toilets for leaks
- Collect rainwater in barrels to use for watering plants and gardens.
Saving Trees
Deforestation destroys habitats and reduces food available for wildlife.
What is the Zoo doing?
Because we are located in a wooded area, we are surrounded by trees. When we install a new exhibit, we build around existing trees.
What can you do at home?
- Plant a tree in your yard
- Don't waste paper
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