POWELL, OH – This July, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are expanding their award-winning sustainability efforts with the launch of the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge—a global waste-reduction initiative powered by JouleBug, a leading sustainability engagement platform.

Over the past several years, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds have successfully led a Plastic-Free Ecochallenge that inspired thousands of people to reduce their plastic use. Now, the Zoo and The Wilds are building on that momentum with a newly rebranded and expanded initiative—the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge—further growing a global movement toward zero waste that already includes zoos and aquariums, conservation organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals in communities around the world, all united in a shared mission to promote sustainable living.

Running July 1–31, this annual zero-waste challenge empowers people to track and improve their eco-friendly habits using the JouleBug app, available for free on iOS and Android. Users can log over 140 sustainable actions that reduce single-use plastics, minimize waste, and support long-term environmental health—making it easier than ever to live more sustainably.

What is the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge?

W.I.L.D. stands for Walk Intentionally, Live Differently—a call to action that reflects the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds' deep commitment to protecting wildlife and preserving natural ecosystems. From reusing containers to refusing plastic straws, every action logged helps combat the growing crisis of plastic pollution while empowering individuals to make meaningful changes in daily life.

“At the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, we believe conservation starts with the choices we make every day,” said Kristeena Blaser, LEED GA, Director of Sustainability, Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. “The W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge empowers individuals to take simple, impactful actions that protect wildlife and reduce waste. By partnering with JouleBug, we’re making it easier—and more fun—for people around the world to be part of the solution.”

Why This Matters

Plastic waste is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. It’s turning up everywhere—from microplastics in drinking water and seafood to pollution in even the most remote natural areas. This type of pollution affects the health of humans, wildlife, and entire ecosystems.

Raising awareness about the many forms of pollution and how to reduce waste is a critical first step toward meaningful change. That awareness can influence consumer choices and drive demand for solutions that reduce waste, keep materials in use longer, and minimize environmental impact from the start.

In 2024, the Zoo and The Wilds’ plastic-free campaign engaged 4,173 participants across 49 U.S. states and 11 countries, who together logged more than 103,900 plastic-free actions. With the 2025 W.I.L.D. Challenge, the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and JouleBug aim to expand that impact and build an even broader community of sustainability champions.

“Plastic-free living doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Tony Pease, CEO of JouleBug. “The Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are leading the way by making climate action fun, educational, and accessible. We’re proud to partner with them to help people walk intentionally, live differently, and make sustainability part of their daily routine—one small action at a time.”

How to Join the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge

1.    Download the JouleBug App from the App Store or Google Play.

2.    Create an account and use the access code WILD2025 to join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium community.

3.    Join the challenge, pick a team, and track your actions throughout the month of July.

4.    Invite friends, coworkers, and family members to join you.

5.    Share your progress using the hashtag #WILDZeroWaste to inspire others.

Start Here: Join the Challenge

Whether teams are just beginning their zero-waste journey or looking to deepen their impact, the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge provides a fun, supportive, and meaningful way to take action for a healthier planet.

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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Home to more than 600 animal species from around the world, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 23-acre Zoombezi Bay waterpark and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a nearly 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national, and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. The Columbus Zoo is an award-winning destination, recently named the top zoo in Ohio by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice, affirming its position as one of the most respected and impactful zoological institutions in the country. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.

About The Wilds

The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes along the Appalachian Byway and attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually. With the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife., The Wilds is among one of the largest, cutting-edge conservation centers in North America and is home to more than 500 animals representing 28 rare and endangered species from around the world. The Wilds operates tours, overnight accommodations, special events, and summer camps as a source of revenue. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. The Wilds is open year round, with a full line of tour options running from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.

About JouleBug

JouleBug is a mobile app that gamifies sustainable actions to help individuals and organizations reduce their environmental impact. With tools that promote climate action, employee engagement, and eco-conscious behavior, JouleBug is used by businesses, schools, and communities to build a more sustainable future. For more information visit www.joulebug.com.