Throughout the month of July, the Columbus Zoo community came together to take action for a cleaner, greener planet—and the results were nothing short of inspiring. As part of our W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge, we invited guests, staff, and supporters to make simple changes in their daily routines that reduce waste and protect wildlife.
Whether it was skipping single-use plastics, conserving water, cutting back on carbon emissions, or making more sustainable choices at home and work, every action counted—and it all added up to real, measurable impact.
Here’s what we accomplished together in July:
- 65,000+ sustainable actions logged
- 9 million liters of water saved
- 52,000 kilograms of CO₂ emissions prevented
- 8,466 kilograms of waste diverted from landfills
To everyone who participated—thank you. Your commitment to conservation made a difference, and we are so grateful for your enthusiasm and dedication.
While the challenge may be over for now, sustainability is a year-round effort. Keep making those small changes that lead to big impact—and stay tuned for next year’s W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge. Together, we’re building a better world for wildlife and future generations.
Small Actions, Big Impact: Here’s How We Made a Difference
Every week during the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge, we shared simple ways to live more sustainably—whether you were at home, at work, or right here at the Zoo. These tips weren’t just helpful…they were powerful. Thousands of you took part, proving that small changes truly add up.
Here’s a look back at the four weekly challenges we tackled together—and how each one helped protect wildlife and the planet we share.
Up first, something we see and use everyday: Water Bottles. Most bottled water is just tap water in plastic and sold at up to 2,000 times the cost! Instead, use a reusable bottle. Think of the amount of plastic waste you can avoid with just this one simple step!
Solarpunk is a literary and cultural movement that envisions a hopeful future where communities flourish through ecological harmony and sustainable technology – it's the opposite of Climate-Doom.
This week's solarpunk crafts focus on designing art, fashion, and household items that reimagine a future where nature and technology thrive together. This often involves repurposing old materials, using natural dyes like turmeric or beet juice, building small self-sustaining environments like terrariums, and blending natural elements into everyday creations.
At the Zoo we strive to design with sustainability in mind; just take a look at the new green roof on the Otter Hut or the solar panels on the Suzie Edwards building! Biophilic architecture is a foundational pillar of the solarpunk movement.
Next time you go for a walk, bring a spare bag and pick up any litter you see – from candy wrappers to cans and water bottles. Every small cleanup helps keep plastics and metals out of landfills, oceans, and parks. In fact, filling just one grocery bag with litter diverts about 1kg of waste, saves 0.4kg of carbon emissions, and conserves 3 liters of water.
At the Zoo, we encourage causally cleaning up as you walk around, which is why you'll notice our staff often walk with a pincher to collect fallen trash on grounds.
Carbon neutral, net zero, carbon negative … what’s the real difference again?
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what these climate buzzwords really mean, you’re not alone — and this week’s W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge is the perfect time to find out! Take a few minutes to dive into the language of carbon by downloading the challenge on your mobile device (you can use it year-round!). Understanding terms like carbon neutral, net zero, and carbon negative is key to spotting greenwashing and pushing for real, lasting change.
As part of our Sustainability Strategy, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has committed to achieving a net zero carbon designation by 2040.
Columbus Zoo Sustainability Strategy
A Greener Future Starts Here
The 2025 W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge was more than just a month of eco-friendly tips—it was a movement. Together, we proved that collective action leads to powerful change. From saving millions of liters of water to reducing CO₂ emissions and keeping waste out of landfills, every action made a difference.
But this challenge is just one part of a much bigger picture. At the Columbus Zoo, sustainability is woven into everything we do—from on-site composting and solar energy to zero-emission guest vehicles and habitat-friendly landscaping. We’re committed to creating a world where wildlife and people can thrive—and your participation helps make that vision possible.
So as we celebrate the success of this year’s challenge, we’re also looking ahead. Because every refill, every reuse, every eco-conscious decision brings us one step closer to a healthier planet.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep the momentum going—all year long.
Zero Waste Challenge Sustainability at the Columbus Zoo
