Sustainability
What is it?
Existing in a way that meets our present needs without depleting natural resources for the future.
Why is it important?
- To ensure we have clean air and water
- To prevent species from becoming extinct
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