Sustainability Initiative

Reduce the effects of plastic
on the environment

  1. Conservation & Sustainability»
  2. Reduce Single Use Plastics»

Making an Impact Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow:

Single-use plastic is a major environmental threat, polluting landfills and oceans. By reducing our reliance on disposable plastics today, we can protect the planet for future generations. Through sustainable alternatives and community awareness, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for tomorrow.

Plastic, particularly single-use plastic, has a devastating impact on the environment. It takes hundreds of years to break down, accumulating in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems, where it harms wildlife and pollutes natural resources. Animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion that can cause suffocation, malnutrition, or even death. Reducing single-use plastics is vital because it helps curb this pollution, encouraging more sustainable consumption. While some plastics are essential for medical or other high-value uses, single-use plastics—like straws, packaging, and bottles—often serve no long-term purpose. By focusing on minimizing these, we can significantly reduce plastic waste, leading to cleaner environments, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.

single use plastics

What Is Your Topeka Zoo Doing:

  • Encouraging Sustainable Practices

    Guests are encouraged to use refillable water bottles with convenient bottle-filling drinking fountains throughout the zoo.

  • Plastic-Free Initiatives

    Worked towards eliminating plastic straws, lids, and plasticware in food and beverage areas, striving for a plastic-free experience.

  • Eco-Friendly Products

    Prioritize eco-friendly products and packaging over less sustainable options in all areas of operations.

  • Soda Machine Upgrade

    Switched from plastic bottles to cans for all on-site soda machines, reducing plastic waste.

  • Partnership for Change

    Partnered with the Rotary Club of Topeka and Waste Management on a campaign to reduce single-use plastics within the community.

    CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

  • Recycling Latex Gloves

    Recycle used latex gloves from cleaning and maintenance activities to reduce waste.

  • Recycling Awareness Program

    Provide a dedicated recycling cart for Docents to educate guests on what can and cannot be recycled, especially with regard to #1, #2, and #5 plastics.

  • Adopt-A-Boat Ramp Program

    Adopted and maintain a local boat ramp to help keep water sources free from plastic and trash, supporting healthier aquatic ecosystems.

  • Educational Outreach

    Offer educational programs and signage to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastics and encourage sustainable behavior among guests.

Ways to Reduce Plastic
Easy & Actionable
  1. Use Refillable Water Bottles: Invest in a durable, reusable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water.
  2. Bring Your Own Bags: Always carry reusable shopping bags to avoid using plastic ones.
  3. Choose Products with Minimal Packaging: Buy in bulk or choose products that have little or no plastic packaging.
  4. Avoid Single-Use Cutlery and Straws: Ditch plastic by using real or reusable utensils or choose eco-friendly alternatives when eating out. If you absolutely need a straw, consider bringing your own reusable one made of paper or metal.
  5. Use Beeswax Wraps or Reusable Containers: Replace plastic wraps and sandwich bags with beeswax wraps or reusable containers.
  6. Support Plastic-Free Alternatives: Look for sustainable alternatives such as glass, metal, or bamboo products.
  7. Recycle Properly: Make sure you're recycling clean plastics. Check the triangle for numbers 1, 2, or 5, and remember to rinse them out so they’re clean!
  8. Advocate for Change: Support policies or businesses that promote sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste.

Topeka Zoo SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

Plastic effects the health of animals, ecosystems, and people. If we don’t solve our plastics problem, ecosystems will suffer, and we risk losing more species. We will engage our community to aid in the solution.

plastic bottles
Strategy 1

Minimizing Plastic Impact:

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of plastics and will lead by example in our community.

  • Goal 1 – A Future with Minimal Single-Use Plastics: We aim to reduce single-use plastics across the zoo with the following steps:

    • Strive towards becoming plastic-free in our food and beverage areas.

    • Work to eliminate plastic from retail operations.

    • Move towards eliminating the purchase of single-use plastics throughout the zoo.

  • Goal 2 – Leading Recycling Efforts: The Topeka Zoo will serve as a role model for recycling, working with the community to increase the value and participation in recycling programs.

  • Goal 3 – Eco-Friendly Plastics: When it is unavoidable to purchase plastic products, we will ensure they are eco-friendly, compostable, or biodegradable, or are chosen for their ability to be fully recycled.

youtube-video-thumbnail
Rotary Club Topeka, KS
Strategy 2

Expanding Plastics Awareness Through Partnerships:

We will build strong partnerships to increase awareness about the impact of plastics and promote sustainable practices.

  • Goal 1 – Collaborative Awareness Efforts: Work with organizations such as the Rotary Club of Topeka, Friends of the Kaw, Waste Management, and Media to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices within the community.
  • Goal 2 – Linking Recycling to River Health: Connect successful recycling habits to the overall health of the Kansas River and its watershed, emphasizing the importance of these efforts for local ecosystems.
reuse reuse recycle
Strategy 3

Establishing the Zoo as a Resource for Recycling and Reducing Plastics

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center will position itself as a leader in educating the community on recycling and reducing plastic waste.

  • Goal 1 – Strengthen Recycling Messaging:

    • Develop a public guide to plastic use and alternatives.

    • Educate the community on Shawnee County recycling markers (1, 2, 5).

    • Promote eco-friendly alternatives to plastics.

    • Support legislation aimed at reducing plastics and promoting recycling.

    • Enhance educational content through the zoo website and other platforms.

    • Create a plastics education exhibit and a Docent Recycling Cart to provide hands-on learning experiences for zoo guests.

Join the Fight to Save Endangered Species

Together, we can make a difference. By supporting Topeka Zoo’s initiatives, you’re helping protect vulnerable species, restore habitats, and ensure a future where wildlife can thrive. Join us in taking action today!