Field Conservation Update
Zero-Waste Initiatives
CONSE RVATION
Field Conservation Update
In 2017 , we donated more than $ 124,000 to deserving wildlife conservation field projects around the world . The Quarters for Conservation program raised $ 90,000 and an additional $ 34,645 was donated through other fundraising efforts ; this includes $ 18,000 from Women of the Wild , $ 4,000 from the Wildlife Emergency Fund , $ 6,875 from our Zoo Teens and $ 920 from conservation summer camp registrations .
When you purchase ( or renew ) a membership , your dollars directly help support our conservation initiatives , so thank you !
For more information about the wildlife conservation projects supported , please visit brevardzoo . org / quarters-for-conservation .
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Zero-Waste Initiatives
As Kermit the Frog once said , “ it ’ s not easy being green .” But with a little planning and effort , it can be done … the earth is worth it !
For several years , we ’ ve been on a quest to enhance our sustainability efforts and lead by example in our community . In November 2017 , we did just that and made history with our first-ever zero-waste event ! Jazzoo , an annual fundraising event that attracts over 2,000 attendees for an evening of live music , bottomless drinks and unlimited food from dozens of local restaurants , was the perfect opportunity to make a much-needed change .
An event is considered zero-waste if 90 % or more of its waste is diverted from the landfill through alternatives such as composting and recycling . The first and biggest challenge we faced was to find a compost facility that could process literally tons of used serviceware and leftover food . After months of research , we found Bay Mulch , Inc ., and despite being two hours away , they happily agreed to work with us and turn all our event leftovers into certified USDA organic soil for Florida farms .
We quickly realized that offering separate recycling and compost receptacles would create confusion for guests and lead to contamination ; therefore , everything in the hands of guests and vendors that night needed to be compostable . To eliminate the possibility of contamination , the Zoo purchased enough sugarcane-based compostable service items from Eco-Products for all 51 vendors to use . They were asked not to bring in or discard anything that was not reusable , compostable or recyclable .
Bay Mulch provided 60 compost receptacles that were strategically placed throughout the Zoo . The nine bars were the exception , and each was provided with a recycling receptacle that would be used by the bartenders for glass bottles and aluminum cans .
All in all , our first zero-waste event went off without any major hiccups . Thanks to the dedication of everyone involved , we replaced more than 76,000 plastic serviceware items with compostable ones and diverted over two tons of waste from the landfill . Zoo staff have been contacted by multiple organizations looking for advice on planning zero-waste events , and we are excited that the movement is spreading !