Our 2010 Green Resolutions

Each year, the Oregon Zoo's Green Team solicits suggestions from zoo staff and assembles resolutions for green operations. Here are the resolutions for this year.

• Design our new veterinary hospital to obtain LEED silver certification.
   
• Take steps to maintain and improve the tree canopy of the zoo.
   
• Set up a program to remove invasive ivy from trees along the Zoo train track.
   
• Put mugs in all the zoo's conference rooms and discontinue use of disposable cups.
   
• Include a sustainability requirement in bid procurement specifications for all food products.
   
• Install a new aquatic life support system in the Penguinarium that will save millions of gallons of water a year.
   
• Complete the zoo's storm water master plan and continue implementation of systems that will return filtered, clean water to the watershed.
   
• Enhance our carpool match program for volunteers and employees.
   
• Replace two more of our fossil fuel propelled vehicles with electric vehicles.
   
• Install waterless urinals in select locations.
   
• Replace paper towel holders in some of our restrooms with new energy efficient electric hand dryers.
   
• Develop a system for offsetting carbon for travel by staff, volunteers and visitors.