Caring for animals means caring for the world they live in—and at Brevard Zoo, that’s at the heart of our work. This Earth Day, we encourage you to make a positive impact on your community through small, everyday efforts. Remember, minor changes can add up to a big impact!
1. Recycle your old electronics.
Come to the Zoo to recycle your electronics!
With over 62 million tons of electronic waste produced in 2022, our planet’s e-waste has nearly doubled since 2010—and the waste only grows with each passing year. This waste burdens our environment, since each device needs mined minerals like coltan, which is mined in rainforests in Africa. Mining uproots the lives of endangered species like gorillas, okapi and elephants.
Our Zoo welcomes you to bring your smartphones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, digital cameras, chargers, headphones and other small electronics to a bin outside our entrance. Learn more here.
2. Reuse scrap paper, then recycle it!
Paper and cardboard make up most of our municipal solid waste, otherwise known as the everyday items that are tossed in the trash. To combat this, reuse your old scrap paper found in printed items, junk mail and more before properly recycling it. Who needs a sticky note when you have scrap paper, anyways?
3. Conserve your water usage
With nearly half of the world experiencing global water shortages and limited amounts of freshwater throughout the world, water is a dwindling resource. However, you can do your part by keeping conservation in mind at home. Whether you’re doing the dishes or brushing your teeth, turn off your faucet while it’s not in use. Take shorter showers. And fully load up your dishwasher and laundry machine before use—no half-loads around here!
4. Swap plastic grocery bags for reusable ones
You can make these bags in your own home!
Instead of using plastic bags while you grocery shop, invest in a reusable tote bag, or make your own! Check out our Zoo’s guide to making your very own tote with materials you can easily collect. Thanks to volunteer Dawn Smith for the creative idea!
5. Opt for sustainable palm oil
Protect species like the North Sulawesi babirusa by opting for sustainable palm oils.
Palm oil is a common ingredient found in products ranging from candy to shampoo. We shared in a previous blog that when palm oil is unsustainably produced, species like orangutans, babirusas and tigers suffer at the hands of deforestation. So, next time you’re choosing a sweet treat, check if it’s free of palm oils to make an informed decision. Head to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s shopping guide to learn more!
6. Tidy up our beaches
These pieces of plastic were ingested by a former sea turtle patient of ours who is now released, Horchata.
Plastic waste makes up most of the debris that pollutes our oceans, totaling in at about 5.25 trillion (yes, trillion) pieces of plastic. The presence of this immense amount of plastic in the ocean poses a major threat to marine life and their habitats. In fact, many of the sea turtle patients who come through the doors of our Sea Turtle Healing Center have mistaken plastic for prey, hurting themselves because of it. Dispose of your waste properly instead of littering, and the next time you’re at the beach, pick up pieces of trash along the shoreline.
7. Volunteer
Lastly, whether you’re local to Brevard County or you live thousands of miles away, there are always opportunities to volunteer with your local community and make a difference. Lend a hand at your community gardens, volunteer at your local AZA- accredited organization, join a trash pickup team and more!
We hope you learned something new from these tips! By making mindful choices each day, you can help protect animals and the planet we all call home. Happy Earth Day!
Special thanks to Flammio Financial Group, Stifel-Garvin Wealth Management Group, Artemis IT, and Jim and Darleen Barfield. Their generosity makes our work possible!
Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.