Sustainability

Sustainability at Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) is rooted in a connection to nature. We focus on reducing the organization’s ecological footprint and protecting natural resources while identifying sustainability targets and measuring progress towards them.

We define sustainability as the responsible management of resources for the benefit of all living species through operations that minimize our environmental impact. The following focus areas contribute to the sustainability strategy at APC.

Waste
Maximize recycling, composting and re-use opportunities throughout operation and minimize on-site waste generation.

Water
Decrease the demand for potable water and keep harmful contaminates out of the local watershed.

Energy & Climate
Reduce the demand for energy, improve the efficiency of energy use and increase the supply of energy from renewable sources.

Environmental Health
Eliminate products and chemicals that represent the greatest risk to human health and wildlife.

Education & Engagement
Foster learning opportunities about the wonders of nature through engaging experiences that inspire people to conserve it for the future.

Transportation
Minimize fossil-fuel based transportation to, from, and within the Assiniboine Park grounds.

Green Space Management
Protect Assiniboine Park’s ecological integrity and green spaces.

Sustainable Procurement
Reduce the environmental and social impacts arising from the specification of new materials, goods and services.
 

Sustainability Initiatives at Assiniboine Park & Zoo

Mask Recycling Program

Over the course of the global COVID-19 pandemic, disposable masks have become a serious environmental concern around the world. As a conservation organization, we want to be part of the solution to this problem.

In April 2021, a new disposable mask recycling program was launched at Assiniboine Park Zoo.

Visitors can safely deposit their disposable masks as they leave the Zoo in a weather-proof collection bin located at the exit.

This service is being offered in partnership with TerraCycle, an established social enterprise that offers recycling programs for hard-to recycle waste in 21 countries around the world.

When the TerraCycle box is full, it will be sealed and stored for 72 hours, then transported to a recycling facility where the contents are sorted and broken down into separate materials that are recycled and incorporated into new products.

All non-woven disposable plastic-based masks can be recycled, including 3-ply surgical, dust masks, KN95, and N95 masks.

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Assiniboine Park
& Zoo Maps

Zoo Map Park Map