Concessions and Retail Outlets Go Green with Recyclable Products

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 7, 2008 – From storks to forks, the Detroit Zoo is committed to saving wildlife and the environment by reducing its ecological footprint in a number of ways.  One of the latest is using “green” products and sustainable solutions in its catering, concessions and retail operations. 

Service Systems Associates (SSA), operator of concessions and retail services, uses vegetable products, recyclable materials and organic fabrics to aid in the Zoo’s mission of celebrating and saving wildlife.  “We support the Zoo’s mission by doing our part to help the organization continuously advance its environmental stewardship,” said SSA General Manager Rob Harris.

The cutlery used at concession stands is made from potato starch and soybean oil.  Called SpudWare, the utensils biodegrade completely in 180 days.  Catering cups as well as plastic sandwich and salad containers are made from corn.  Both catering and concessions use plates and cup carriers made from pulp and recycled products.  The non-bleached napkins may not be green in color, “but they are certainly green in principle,” said Harris.

Even the food served by SSA illustrates the Zoo’s commitment to environmental awareness.  The tuna used at concession stands is approved by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch as a Sustainable Seafood.  Additionally, fryer oil is recycled and reprocessed into biofuel to help keep the earth healthy.

Retail items are also contributing to the Zoo’s conservation efforts.  Organic cotton and bamboo are used in many of the shirts for sale at the Zoofari Market and Arctic Outpost gift shops.  Bamboo is one of the most sustainable natural fibers on earth.  It is 100 percent biodegradable, grown without pesticides and reaches full maturity in less than three months.  Additionally, the bags used in the retail outlets are made from renewable products.

The Detroit Zoological Society has an active Green Team that aims to minimize the ecological footprint of Zoo operations and educate staff and visitors about choices that reduce harmful effects on the environment.  Green Team initiatives include collection of recyclables and household hazardous waste (such as batteries), using products made from recycled material and expanding composting efforts.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October (open at 9:30 a.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day) – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11 for adults 13 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 

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