The actions of humans are having a devastating impact on the environment. Habitat destruction, deforestation, pollution and the pressures of growing populations are causing flooding, extinction and global warming.
We waste vast amounts of energy and resources and produce huge amounts of waste. These activities cannot continue forever without having an adverse impact on our world. These problems are likely to get worse unless we ALL act now.
What is Paignton Zoo doing for the environment?
As a conservation organisation we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously. Environmental damage can directly affect the species and habitats we are trying to conserve.
We are always striving to reduce our environmental impact and find that environmental improvements often lead to cost savings, too – meaning more money is available to spend on our important conservation projects.
Click here to find out how Paignton Zoo conforms to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations.
Our environmental initiatives include:
- Recycling paper, cardboard, aluminium cans, glass, plastic bottles, printer cartridges, vegetable oil and lamps.
- Re-using materials such as hardcore, wood and plant pots.
- Composting of organic waste to make Zoo Poo sold in our shop and around the country.
- A reed bed filtration system to clean waste water from Reptile Tropics.
- Solar water heating.
- Low energy lighting.
- Use of rainwater for watering plants and washing enclosures.
- Toilets with waterless urinals, low-volume cisterns and automatic taps to help conserve water.
- Monitoring of utilities consumption through monthly meter readings.
- Use of local produce in the restaurant.
- Promotion of fair trade and recycled goods in the shop.
- Peat-free gardening – helping to save peat bogs and associated wildlife.
- 10% discount on Zoo entry for visitors travelling by bus.
- Zoo vehicles that run on electricity and Liquefied Petroleum Gas, reducing emissions of carbon dioxide.
Paignton Zoo is only the third zoo in the world and the second in the UK to be awarded ISO 14001
Paignton Zoo has developed an Environmental Management System to the standard ISO 14001. This international standard is awarded to companies demonstrating a real commitment to environmental improvement. As part of this an Environmental Policy and other environmental procedures have been developed. Once achieved, companies must show continual environmental improvement year on year to retain the award.
How YOU can help
It’s not just businesses that need to improve their environmental performance – it’s everyone! Small changes to the way we live can make a big difference to the environment. Here are some things you can do:
- Recycle your cans and plastic bottles in the right bins
- Travel to the Zoo by public transport or bicycle.
- Support fair trade products in our shop and restaurant.
- Support our conservation initiatives.
- Pick up a freepost envelope for Recycling Appeal in the Zoo entrance building and send off your old printer cartridges and mobile phones for recycling. Any proceeds will go to the Zoo.
At home:
- Help to conserve energy by insulating your home, switching to energy efficient bulbs and switching off appliances when not in use. Click here for more energy saving ideas and details of grants available.
- Help conserve water by taking a shower instead of a bath, using water butts to water plants and wash your car and by installing a water-saving device in your toilet cistern – for more tips click here.
- Reduce your waste and recycle everything you can – for more information click here.
- Car share, use public transport, walk or cycle to cut down on emissions.
- Get your company or school to join the Recycling Appeal printer cartridge and mobile phone recycling scheme and donate money for the cartridges and phones you collect to Paignton Zoo (Quote account number 715642).
- Buy gifts and presents from our gift shop at the Zoo, where we sell Fair Trade products.
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