Our Earth-Friendly Operations

Because we care so much about animals and their habitats, we try to serve as a model for earth-friendly operations:

Water Conservation
The Portland Water Bureau named the Oregon Zoo as a "Conservation All-Star" in 1995. The Zoo has saved thousands of dollars through in-house modifications in the Penguin and Polar Bear Exhibits. We continually look for new ways to conserve water, such as capturing rainwater in landscape beds and eliminating food grinders in restaurants areas in favor of composting.

Energy Efficiency
Our electrical consumption has decreased significantly in the last year, amounting to savings of over $10,000. Natural gas consumption has gone down by 15% this year. Examples of how we have lowered our usage of energy include the installation of timers and sensors in service areas and switching lights to compact fluorescent.

Waste Reduction and Recycling
In 1995, the Oregon Zoo redirected close to 60% of our refuse from the landfill. This amounts to about 600 pounds of trash per each full-time employee! Annual savings to the zoo is more than $55,000. We currently recycle cardboard, glass, tin, plastic, paper, corks, scrap metal, concrete, asphalt, yard debris and ZooDoo. Our volunteer Green Team, with representatives from each division, provides education to our staff and volunteers through an in-house training program. We have switched to a 100% recycled product for towel, food service napkins and tissue products. We also advise our vendors on excess packaging materials and packing procedures.

Transportation
Most zoo employees participate in a program of leaving their car at home at least one day a week.  Many use public transportation, carpool and telecommute. Reports indicate that over 1600 one-way trips have been eliminated during the summer months. We have also acquired several vehicles and other pieces of equipment that use alternative power sources such as natural gas.Visitors are encouraged to use alternative transportation, too.  MAX Light Rail has a stop right at the zoo entrance.

Restaurant Operations
We serve our visitors coffee that is 60% shade grown. This is important because trees used to shade some coffee plants provide habitat for many migratory birds. Their survival is impossible in areas where coffee is grown without shade cover.