• Energy

  • Energy and the Zoo

• Take Action

  • Resources
  • They're Calling on You
  • Choose your seafood wisely
  • Things You Can Do
  • Green Christmas
  • Year of Biodiversity
    • Biodiversity Blog
    • Partnerships are the Key to Biodiversity
  • Wildlife and Your Garden
  • Palm Oil

• Water Treatment and Recycling

• Waste Management

• Animal Food Production

• Habitat Restoration

  • Habitat Simulation

• Zoo Plants

  • The Floral Clock

Think, then ask before you buy.

When buying a gift, consider the quality and ask yourself if the gift is really wanted or needed or will it just be land fill in a few months time. Think about movie or event tickets as an alternative or give a night or two of babysitting or a day or two of garden services.

When buying for Christmas feasts buy locally produced food and drinks and, especially, seafood. A Zoo Parent or a Zoo Friend membership sponsorship really is an ideal gift. It’s easy to purchase, doesn’t need to be wrapped and lasts all year. Or simply consider a gift voucher or make a donation to a charity in lieu as a meaningful gift.

Reduce your Carbon footprint.

Buy local food, drinks and gifts to save on transport impacts. If you’re buying an appliance be sure that it has a good energy-use or water-use rating. Or why not give a bicycle as a gift – but only if you think it will get good use!

‘Do the right thing' with waste.

• Rethink: buy a living tree to decorate and enjoy year after year.
• Reduce: buy products with the least packaging and always say ‘no’ to plastic bags.
• Reuse: choose reusable cutlery and crockery instead of disposable at Christmas picnics.
• Recycle: do your best to recycle cards, paper and packaging – even left over food can be composted.

Save and create animal habitat.

Buy something for the garden. You can save and create animal habitats by buying a locally native plant that will encourage birds into the garden. And if gardening isn’t your think a bird bath, or a worm farm could be a great alternative.