4 minute read
Sustainability starts with us
Roger Williams Park Zoo’s commitment to conserving wildlife and wild places starts right here at the Zoo, where we strive to use best practices in everyday operations to contribute to a healthier planet for all. As we foster awareness of the importance of conservation, it is also our duty to help conserve our Earth’s resources through environmentally friendly behaviors. See what green practices your RWPZoo implements and learn how you can do your part to conserve energy and resources.
COMPOSTING
All organic waste gets composted. Natural waste, such as animal bedding materials, manure, leaves, grass clippings, vegetable and fruit peelings get delivered to a composting facility twice weekly.
CONSERVING ENERGY
We utilize LED lighting in our offices, buildings, and outdoor facilities. Not only do LED lights consume less energy, but the bulbs also use energy more efficiently. These newer lighting systems monitor our usage and keep events like Jack-O- Lantern Spectacular shining bright while conserving power.
GREEN EVENTS
Celebrating at the Zoo has never looked so good! By composting food scraps, events like Zoobilee can save tons of organic material from entering the landfill. Recycling cups at the Zoo’s annual Brew at the Zoo fundraising event also saves hundreds of materials ending up as trash.
ECO-FRIENDLY SHOPPING & DINING
All our concessions operatewith “green” practices in mindand a portion of the profitscome back to support Zooanimal care and educationconservation programs!Reusable cups are now soldat our restaurants and theelimination of plastic bags atour gift shops takes us one stepcloser to creating zero wasteand reducing plastic.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANIMAL HABITATS
New animal habitats are thoughtfully built to ensure they areless wasteful and minimize their environmental impact. Poolsfor animals like anteater and elephants have filtering systemsto purify and save thousands of gallons of water each year.
REDUCE & REUSE
Wherever we can, we reuse and recycle. Instead of throwing away cardboard boxes or paper towel rolls, we first reuse them for animal treat enrichment. We also have comprehensive procedures for recycling paper, cardboard, cans, bottles, clear plastic bags and wooden pallets. These items are collected on Zoo grounds and then delivered to Rhode Island Resource Recovery.
We also encourage guests to join us in recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. Refillable water bottle stations are conveniently located throughout the Zoo. We’ve also gone digital – offering digital membership cards and an interactive online map in the place of paper brochures.
RECYCLE
Last year we proudly launched a new e-waste recycling program, Gorillas on the Line, that allows visitors to recycle used cell phones and handheld electronics. Recycling your phone not only prevents hazardous materials from entering our environment but helps protect gorillas and other endangered species habitats. Likewise, all funds raised through this initiative directly support conservation projects through Gorilla Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) programs!
Join us in the fight to protect wildlife!
A collection box is available at the Zoo’s main entrance or any Providence Public Library location.
TAKE ACTION
Every day we make choices in our lives that affect our planet, wildlife, and each other. Living sustainably reduces the amount of Earth’s resources you use and, in turn, helps us protect it.
By making simple changes to your lifestyle, together we can create a brighter future for generations to come.
• Limit the amount of energy you use. Turn off lights; unplug idle electronics; switch to LED bulbs.
• Use eco-friendly products. Look for the FSC logo on furniture, paper goods and flooring to protect the rainforest; “Follow the Frog” and look for the Rainforest Alliance seal on products ranging from bananas and chocolate to coffee and flowers; buy products with less packaging or environmentally friendly packaging.
• Reuse & recycle. Choose to buy only items you need and donate the things you no longer use; compost yard waste and kitchen waste and use it to nurture your plants naturally.
