Walk Intentionally. Live Differently.
This summer, we’re not just kicking plastic to the curb—we’re going W.I.L.D.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is thrilled to announce the launch of the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge, a bold new evolution of our popular sustainability initiative formerly known as the Plastic Free Ecochallenge. Running from July 1 through July 31, 2025, this year’s challenge invites individuals, teams, and organizations across the country to reduce their environmental footprint by building long-term, impactful habits.
A New Platform for a New Chapter
We’ve officially transitioned to JouleBug, a free and mobile-friendly app that makes logging actions, tracking progress, and connecting with others easier than ever. This change was inspired by participant feedback asking for a more interactive, on-the-go experience—and we listened.
Why JouleBug?
- Log actions anywhere, anytime
- Track real-time impact (CO₂ saved, water conserved, waste diverted)
- Earn badges and level up your sustainable habits
- Connect your efforts to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Post photos, react to teammates’ updates, and stay motivated
Bonus: Your progress carries over year to year!
What’s New in 2025?
- New Name: Welcome to the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge – Walk Intentionally. Live Differently.
- Expanded Focus: Beyond plastics, actions now include categories like energy conservation, biodiversity, water savings, sustainable food systems, and more.
- New Leadership: Meet your 2025 Challenge Coordinators – Kelleen M. and Carissa L. from the Columbus Zoo’s Sustainability Team.
Individual Action Sponsorships: Sponsors can now support specific actions—lowering costs and increasing impact visibility.
Follow @columbuszoo and @visitthewilds for social media posts throughout July!
What’s Staying the Same?
We may have a new name and platform, but the heart of the challenge remains:
- Still happening all July long
- Still focused on reducing single-use plastics
- Still packed with helpful resources and educational tools
- Still centered on community and collaboration
- Still using a point system to gamify sustainable actions
- Still led by passionate team captains across organizations nationwide
- 52 of your favorite action items from past years are back—plus dozens more!
How to Join the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge
Joining is simple:
- Download JouleBug from your app store
- Create an account and enter the access code: WILD2025
- Search for the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge 2025
- Join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium team or form your own!
- Start logging actions, earning points, and making a difference
Hint: Check out our website for full instructions and updates
Sample Actions You Can Take
- Use a reusable water bottle
- Boycott balloons at celebrations
- Go on a litter patrol
- Prep zero-waste meals
- Track your carbon footprint
- Support local biodiversity
No matter your lifestyle, there’s an action that fits your journey.
Let’s Walk Intentionally and Live Differently—Together
Since 2019, over 42,000 people have joined us to reduce waste, rethink consumption, and protect wildlife. This year, we invite you to take your sustainability journey to the next level—with a platform that supports you every step of the way.
Have questions?
Reach out to the Sustainability Team at zerowastechallenge@columbuszoo.org.
Let’s make 2025 our most impactful challenge yet.
