Mission Possible

SUSTAINABLE Soirées

HOW RIVERBANKS CREATES ECO-FRIENDLY FUN

Amanda Schlegel | Donor Engagement Specialist

When most of us think of our next fun-filled trip to the Zoo, we picture a sunny afternoon visiting the wild inhabitants or getting lost in the beauty of the Botanical Garden. However, the mission does not stop once the sun goes down and the day’s guests have gone home. Riverbanks’ after-hours events serve the primary purpose of raising critical funds to protect the plants and animals in our care, but also allow the Zoo to entertain guests with an eye towards sustainability and conscientious use of resources. We talked with Stacy MacGregor, Director of Marketing, about the steps her team takes to (responsibly) create the magic behind the scenes.

How do the signature events at the Zoo and Garden contribute to Riverbanks’ mission?

Our signature events provide opportunities for Riverbanks to raise funds in support of crucial Zoo operations that go far beyond animal care. The scale of these events allows Riverbanks to create jobs for our community. Hosting events allows us to create educational experiences for guests to learn about the role conservation and sustainability impact not only Riverbanks but the wildlife community around the globe.

What steps does your team take to provide an exciting guest experience while focusing on sustainability?

Eighty percent of our event lighting is LED, which means less waste and more efficiency, a huge step when you look at events like Boo at the Zoo and Lights. We also only distribute palm-oil free candy for Boo at the Zoo to help prevent deforestation. When crafting events, our catering teams provide compostable plates, cutlery, and drinkware. All possible steps are taken to reduce and recycle with a goal of zero waste for future events.

Speaking of future events, what green initiatives are you excited to incorporate in upcoming events?

I am looking forward to being even more intentional with our signature events by including more opportunities for recycling, composting food waste, and reducing our reliance on non-recyclable items, as well as investing in more energy saving lighting and décor. Our conservation committee is beginning to meet again and conversations about making the Zoo more sustainable as a whole are underway. We are also working on building more social messaging around the importance of conservation, how our community can be more active, and building awareness about the impact that taking these important steps can have on our wildlife and environment.

After the party is over, what can guests do to implement these measures at home?

Guests can be mindful of waste produced in their homes, purchase post-consumer recycled goods, and use LED and energy efficient items. It is also important to be aware of the wider environmental impact of ingredients in commonly used items and buy organic when possible. The key is to make your recycling containers larger and landfill bins smaller! For those who enjoy getting outdoors, creating gardens that support our pollinators and provide shelter for our local wildlife and bird populations will go a long way. There are so many simple ways to make an impact, and we look forward to sharing our green innovations during future events!

Add Some Wild

Adventures

To your Visit

Little Learners gives our youngest guests and their families the chance to learn about the flora and fauna around them.

Thank You

We are the Zoo because of YOU

Families with older children can have a Backstage Encounter with some of our beloved animals.

Holiday Craft Fair

GET IN GEAR

Specialty License Plates Now Available

Search for Riverbanks in the Plate Gallery at www.scdmvonline.com

Proceeds support the care and conservation of animals and plants at Riverbanks and beyond.

Saturday, November 19 5:00pm-9:00pm|Ndoki Lodge HAND-CRAFTED ITEMS

Jewelry|Artwork|Clothing|and More!

10% of all sales benefits Riverbanks’ Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers.

For more information about AAZK, please visit: www.colakeepers.com

Entry to the craft fair is FREE with paid admission to Lights Before Christmas.

PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION

HOLIDAY | WEDDINGS | CORPORATE | PICNICS | SOCIAL

Unique venues for every occasion Save money & time with inclusive event packages Proceeds support conservation efforts Capacities from 25 to 5,000 Exclusive on-site catering & bar service Full park rental

Phone - (803)-602-0900 Email - PlanYourEvent@Riverbanks.org Website - Riverbanks.org/PlanYourEvent