Saint Louis Zoo 2010 Sustainability Report

Patrick Williamson Director, Purchasing & Distribution Zoo Recycling & Diversion Program

• Recyclables currently accommodated include: mixed paper, plastics (#s 1,2,3), scrap metal, aluminum, steel, tin, telephone books, cardboard, printer cartridges, electronics (including TV’s, monitors, computers, cell phones printers and assorted appliances), batteries, oil products, green waste, browse, both on property and from the Missouri Botanical Garden, promotional material from the Zoo and from the Saint Louis Art Museum, pallets, old uniforms, fryer oil and the reuse of construction and demolition materials. Recycling 63.37 tons of cardboard, saving 28,102.3 KWH of energy, 642 cubic yards of landfill and the associated cost of hauling, 1,101 trees and 42,245 pounds of air pollution.

13.64 tons of mixed paper, saving 273 trees, 41.02 cubic yards of landfill and the associated cost of hauling, 9,162 pounds of air pollution and 7,268.5 gallons of oil. Recycling

• 6,124 pounds of plastics (#s 1,2,3)

• The 2008 USA PET recycling capture rate was 27.0%. In 2010 the Saint Louis Zoo capture rate was 44.66%. Recycling

1,240 pounds of aluminum cans collected. Recycling

• The Zoo recycled over 2,167,200 pounds of animal waste, bedding and green waste to Saint Louis Composting throughout the year thus saving 1,084 tons of waste going to the landfill and the finished product is then reused. Recycling

• 35,660 pounds of scrap metal was recycled, keeping it out of the land fill and saving the cost of hauling it away. We also recycled 8,816 pounds of precious metals recouping $1,608 for the Zoo. Recycling

• The light bulb recycling project continued at the Zoo. All departments collect their bulbs, and on specific days during the year they are collected and recycled with Project Incorporated, a local non-profit organization helping the community in Saint Louis.

• 2,153 light bulbs were recycled in 2010. Recycling

• The Information Technology department recycled approximately 2 tons of computers, monitors, printers, copiers and other assorted electronics in 2010. These go to Web Innovations Technology Services in Saint Louis and are broken down and recycled. Recycling

• The Zoo recycled 385 gallons of used motor vehicle oil.

• Food Service recycled 5,205 gallons of fryer oil in 2010 Recycling

• The Saint Louis Zoo diverted 53.86% of its total waste from the landfill in 2010. In 2010, the Food & Beverage department took steps toward a greener future at the Saint Louis Zoo. The following eco-friendly products were introduced as the season unfolded.

Earth & Sky Rainforest Alliance Coffee Saint Louis Zoo Food & Beverage Food Service Sippers • The Refillable Sipper program reduces thousands of paper cups each season. Guest are encouraged to bring the sipper back with them each time they visit the Zoo.

• 2010 – 84,720 • 2005 – 34,000 Conservation Efforts Guest Services & Attractions

• Super clean products are being purchased as the new degreaser for railroad and rides. This product is a biodegradable detergent that is safe for the environment and replaces the kerosene/oil-based product previously used. • We recycled more than 21,000 stroller and wheelchair tickets in 2010. • Guests’ paid receipts are used for admission to the 3D movie resulting in a reduction of more than 24,000 printed attraction tickets. • All cleaning rags are being sent off to be washed and reused. Previously, shop/standard towels were not reused, but rather new ones were purchased when supplies were low. • We recycled between 900,000 and 1 million attraction tickets this season . • River’s Edge maps are being collected & recycled for use by guests. Conservation Efforts

• The Zoo recently changed many of the gasoline powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Benefits include the conservation of fossil fuels, reduction of harmful substances released into the atmosphere and cost savings overall. Conservation Efforts (Facilities)

• Perimeter gate modifications were made to gates 3 and 4 to allow each section of the gate to open independently of each other reducing electrical consumption, maintenance and repairs. A new man gate was also installed at gate 3 to allow employee access without having to enter through the electric gate. Energy Efficient Lighting (Facilities)

• Numerous light fixtures have been replaced with high efficient T5 fixtures at The Living World, Red Rocks, Primate House keeper area and Camp KangaZoo, Distribution Center and Herpetarium with many other areas being planned for replacement. Energy Efficient Water Heaters (Facilities)

• A new on-demand hot water heater was installed in Jungle of the Apes creating a more efficient hot water system using less natural gas. • A new on-demand hot water heater was installed in The Living World/Painted Giraffe, creating a more efficient hot water system using less natural gas. Lakes & Cove Aeration

A new aeration system is being installed at the cove and lakes. This will improve the water quality and reduce water consumption. Conservation Efforts (Horticulture)

The Horticulture and Site Work crews planted close to 324 trees in 2010. • South Arrival and Forest Park Dual Path – 240, 2-to-3 inch caliper trees • Elephant Woods Habitat and Perimeter – 50, 2-to-4 inch caliper trees • Red Rocks Area – 22, 2-to-3 inch caliper trees • Zoo Grounds – 12, 2-to-3 inch caliper trees

That’s almost a tree a day for the entire year! • Conservation Efforts (Parking)

• South Entry and Parking Lot 2010 also saw the end of construction for the new Wells Fargo South Arrival Experience and parking lot. This will not only enhance the visitors experience, but also with the inclusion of paver blocks will reduce the amount of water runoff to the sewer. The tree’s will shade the cars and “green” the lot. Conservation Efforts (Retail)

• All candy products were evaluated for the use of palm oil. The products found to contain palm oil are no longer being ordered and were replaced with comparable products that do not contain palm oil. Any candy inventory containing palm oil will be gone by the end of 2010. • One of the top selling items continues to be the solar light keychain. This item retains its popularity and appeal not only thru its catchy flashing name, but because it also uses solar power to create the flashing appearance. • The most recent order of gift shop bags was manufactured using 20% recycled materials. We were also able to incorporate messaging on the bag that indicates that the bag was made using recycled materials. This marks the first time our bags were manufactured using a percentage of recycled materials. A display table in Zootique gift shop was devoted to both “green” and recycled merchandise. A banner hangs above the table to help promote and message the table along with the merchandise offerings. For more information, please contact Patrick Williamson C.P.M. [email protected]