Let’s Turn the Tide: Saying ‘no’ to single use plastic.
The impact of marine plastics on our coasts, oceans, and the many species that depend on them (ourselves included) is now well documented. Although there is no doubt that this is a huge, global problem, it is also one that every single one of us can do something about.
What are we doing?
In 2017, we stopped selling single use plastic bottles in our zoos. We’re also working with suppliers to use biodegradable alternatives elsewhere, and to source products made from recycled plastic. We are actively involved in organising local beach cleans, alongside partner organisations with the same aims as ourselves. Underpinning all of this, is a drive to raise awareness amongst our guests and encouraging people to think about what they buy, and how they dispose of it once they’re done with it.
What can you do?
The problem with plastic is not plastic itself, it’s how we use and dispose of it. Plastic has many uses but we need to stop thinking of it as a single use material. It’s easy to carry out your own personal ‘plastic audit’ and then look at ways that you can reduce your use, reuse what you can, and recycle the rest. Refillable drinks bottles and hot drinks cups are easy ways to get started.
