Are you ready to make a significant impact on our environment while supporting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium?
This July, we invite you to join the Plastic Free Ecochallenge, an inspiring month-long event that encourages participants to refuse and reduce single-use plastics. Created in partnership with ecochallenge.org and supported by a network of zoos, aquariums, educational institutions, and conservation organizations across North America, this challenge is designed to empower individuals and teams to create a more sustainable world. Follow us on social media for tips, resources, and updates throughout the month.
How It Started
Plastic Free Ecochallenge was created and developed in partnership with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Ecochallenge.org and supported by a robust network of zoos, aquariums, educational institutions, and conservation organizations across North America. Originally inspired by the Australian-founded initiative, Plastic Free July, Plastic Free Ecochallenge took plastic free living but made it applicable to zoos, aquariums and conservation organizations.
What It Is
This initiative is a month-long event that challenges participants to refuse and reduce their single-use plastic usage and choose their own actions to create a curated experience for each participant. During the month of July, you compete against other organizations and teams to see who can limit their single use plastic consumption the most. No matter your experience with plastic free or plastic less living, this challenge offers something for everyone.
With an extensive library of actions to choose from and resources that provide further information, the challenge offers you a one stop shop to further your sustainability journey. We acknowledge that some of our participants may be further along in their sustainability journey than others, so we offer an “I already do this” option on the action items to receive points for being proactive.
Get Involved
Plastic Free Ecochallenge is completely free and open to the public thanks to the network of zoo, aquarium, and conservation organization sponsors. All are welcome to participate! Create your team or join the Columbus Zoo's team in this initiative! We hope you will consider creating your teams or joining ours as a fun, inspiring, and supportive way to help protect our planet! Plastic Free Ecochallenge Impact so far:
- 42,752 participants
- 2,157 teams
- 1,292,168 single-use plastic items have avoided going to landfill (including cups, bottles, cutlery, contains, straws, etc.)
- 600,000 minutes have been spent learning by participants
- 42,000 zero-waste meals have been eaten
We are thrilled to have you join us in this crucial initiative to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable living. By participating in the Plastic Free Ecochallenge, you will be part of a larger movement dedicated to making a difference. Whether you are a seasoned environmentalist or just beginning your journey towards a plastic-free lifestyle, this challenge provides the tools and community support you need. Together, we can achieve remarkable results and contribute to the well-being of our planet. Let's take this opportunity to make July a month of impactful change. Join the Columbus Zoo team today and let's refuse single-use plastics for a better tomorrow!
