Working to become a ‘Greener Zoo’
Colchester Zoo continues to work to reduce, reuse and recycle as part of our ‘Green Zoo’ mission. Our ultimate aim here at Colchester Zoo is to reduce our waste produced and recycle whatever products we can, as well as continuing to reduce our ultimate landfill contribution.
Click here to view our Green Policy
Find out more about some of the policies we have in place below:
These biomass pellet boilers are at various points around the zoo and are used to heat animal enclosures, buildings and offices. We are also registered as a self-supplier with BSL, supplying all our own fuel for one of our boilers using recycled wood from around the zoo.
We also have installed solar panelling situated at two animal enclosures, which are used to heat and light the buildings; these also help to reduce our energy output.
After sorting for recycling, our waste is now going to produce energy-from-waste, where the waste is burnt at high temperatures to reduce its volume and to create heat energy which is then converted into electrical power.
In waste to energy technologies, nearly all of the carbon content in the waste is emitted as carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. If the waste went to landfill, the amount of methane generated via decomposition of the biodegradable part of the waste would have a higher global warming potential than the carbon dioxide produced by this combustion.
Our fresh brewed, full bean coffee is certified by the Rainforest Alliance which ensures rigorous standards that conserve biodiversity and sustainability as well as our coffee and hot chocolate being fair trade. Many ingredients are also Red Tractor assured.
We are committed to all of our food and Ice Cream products across Catering, Retail and Sweet Shop being either palm oil free or RSPO approved. Every product we sell has been verified and we hold certification on file. Find out more about
our Palm Oil Statement HERE.
We have now introduced paper straws as well as Birchwood cutlery in all our Catering outlets. We have also introduced Wooden ice cream spoons.
All catering facilities within the Zoo also add 5p on to the cost of each hot drink purchased in a paper cup in an attempt to further encourage customers to bring in a reusable cup and reduce waste. This charge is then donated to our charity Action for the Wild to help fund conservation projects world wide.
Read more about our Plastic Pledge HERE
– To work to reduce wherever possible the level of plastic within our site in a manner that is appropriate for our location and situation
– To work with members of the public to increase awareness of the situation surrounding the level of plastic in our environment and contribute to positive behaviour change to reduce those levels
– To work with their staff to increase awareness of the situation and contribute to positive behaviour change to reduce levels of plastic
Read more about our Plastic Pledge HERE