Conservation

Conservation

Join us in July for the Plastic Free EcoChallenge! 

Plastic Free July

Inspired by the Australian-founded initiative, Plastic Free EcoChallenge is a 31-day international challenge to raise awareness about the problems with plastic; to provide opportunities to learn about reducing and refusing plastics where possible; and to encourage individuals to create small changes that have a huge impact. Throughout July, members within the community will be utilizing the EcoChallenge platform, which offers participants the opportunity to choose actions to reduce their single-use plastic.

We want YOU to join us by creating your own team amongnst coworkers, family, and friends, or join one of the public teams associated with the SF Teaching Zoo (see below for available teams). After joining a team, each individual will look through the challenge categories (Food, Community, Personal Care, Pets, Lifestyle, Family) to determine actions they will pledge to take during the month of July. Each challenge category has a variety of actions, from watching videos, writing letters, changing daily behaviors or simply pledging to pick up trash. Your team will be able to see your collective impact throughout the month and track other teams to encourage healthy competition. During July, you will record the actions you completed every day and earn points for your team.

To get started, visit Plastic Free EcoChallenge to sign up and watch this video to learn how to select your actions and use the platform. Add the EcoChallenge app to your phone to make it easier to record your actions every day.

Teams available to join:

  • SF Teaching Zoo Zero Wasters
  • SF Teaching Zoo Members (Members: see email for password)
  • SFTZ Graduates (Graduates: see email for password)
  • City of Gainesville
  • Life Unplastic Gainesville
  • Alachua County Recycles
  • SF Scientific Exploration Society
  • The Swamp Scrappers
  • The Repurpose Project
  • All Creatures Pod

Educational Opportunities and Workshops

Zero Waste & Plastic Free Alternative Workshop - June 20, 2019

Follow along the SF Teaching Zoo Facebook page through June and July for tips and resources to reduce your plastic use. 

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Saves Species!

Since 2010, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has donated over $45,000 to organizations working on the front lines to conserve wild animals and wild places. Thank you to our guests for making it possible for the Zoo to raise the funds and achieve our mission of improving the future for wildlife! Learn more about the projects we supported this year below. You can also learn more about the Quarters for Conservation Program. 

Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program - The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program fosters wildlife and habitat conservation and supports local community livelihoods in Papua New Guinea through global partnerships, land protection and scientific research.

Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) – TSA’s mission is transforming passion for turtles into effective conservation action through a global network of living collections and recovery programs.

Ashton Biological Preserve - Located in North-Central Florida, this nonprofit conservation area and research facility contributes to knowledge in conservation biology on rare and endangered species, and in sustainable use of natural resources locally and worldwide. 

Learn about the interconnectedness of humans, animals and their ecosystems

  • Learn about the ways animals and humans share ecosystems
  • Understand the impact humans have on animals and their habitats
  • Participate in outdoor activities with others to help foster a connection to nature
  • Become an environmental steward by getting involved in citizen science programs, community programs, and advocating conservation
  • Conserve water when bathing, watering plants, and washing clothes and dishes
  • Reduce waste, like using reusable cups, to keep trash out of landfills
  • Re use and Recycle not only cans and bottles, but anything else you can use more than once

Check out the following link to learn about proper waste disposal and recycling in Alachua County.

Choose your pets wisely

  • Research pets before you get them to make sure they are a good fit for you and your family
  • Adopt rather than buy pets, even exotic pets can be adopted
  • Be a responsible pet owner and take life expectancy into consideration when adopting

Start being a responsible pet owner now by following this link.

Support animal habitats in your own backyard

  • Plant a flower garden for animals to pollinate
  • Build a bat box to help control mosquito populations
  • Build a bird house or feeder to attract local birds
  • Keep domestic pets, like cats that hunt native wildlife, inside

Be an informed consumer in your everyday life

  • Know where your products come from. Attempt to purchase products that are made using sustainable practices
  • Encourage your friends, families, and local businesses to research companies before supporting them
  • Consume seafood caught only in sustainable practices
  • Consume meat from animals treated humanely

Download these apps to help you make responsible choices everyday: The Seafood Watch App and Palm Oil Crisis.

Support your local conservation organizations

  • Support organizations/buy products that use sustainable practices
  • Purchase products produced locally such as produce from your local farmer’s market
  • Learn about how you can support local conservation organizations
  • Visit your local accredited zoo, aquarium or museum
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