Published: April 29, 2008 04:12 pm            

Zoo Tales: We are all Earth’s trustees

We have become a disposable, Styrofoam society. Throw-away towels, bottles, gloves, cups – even cameras.

Even worse, we often overlook the wake of debris and harm we leave behind: polluted air, mountains of trash, indiscriminate land clearing – just to mention a few.

As a society, one of our most significant tasks in these first decades of the 21st century will almost certainly be to balance economic and social well-being with the conservation and management of our renewable natural resources.

In keeping with its mission of helping people understand this balance and recognizing the interdependence of themselves and nature, the N.C. Zoo will hold its annual Earth Day celebration April 19 and April 20.

Earth Day is an annual date on which the entire international community can rededicate themselves to the care of Earth.

This year’s zoo Earth Day activities will include “Designs in Nature,” which lets kids get creative – naturally; “Painted Landscapes” to let kids explore colors and textures; “The Scrap Exchange,” a traveling creative arts program; Bowling for Rhinos at the new Watani Grasslands exhibit; displays on alternative vehicle technology (including hybrid cars); and numerous talks on environmental issues.

Entertainment will include live music by Pamlico Joe at the North America Plaza (at noon and 2 p.m. each day); Radio Disney, with prizes and activities for kids, Saturday only from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.; the costumed character “Smokey the Bear” at the North America Plaza; and face painting in the Africa Plaza.

From the North Carolina coast, Pamlico Joe brings to the zoo his passion for music and the environment.

See his Web site at http://www.pamlicojoe.com/.

There will also be demonstrations on how the zoo has begun a program of using more clean-burning fuels for the park’s vehicles and equipment.

The program involves changing zoo vehicles and equipment over to the use of biofuel, a material made completely from vegetable oil.

Presently, the zoo is using a mixture of 20 percent biofuel and 80 percent conventional diesel fuel – called B20 biodiesel.

Visitors leaving through the North America gate on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. can receive a tree seedling to plant.

Also, on both days, visitors can bring a can or bottle to the North America Plaza to exchange for a reusable cup, which can be used at the park for discounted drinks.

All entertainment and activities are free with paid zoo admission and will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day.

Park hours for both events are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As trustees of our planet, we should all consider the footprints that we leave upon the earth and take steps in our daily lives to lessen our personal impact on it.

Here are a few simple steps that each of us can take to create a more eco-friendly environment:

n By now, we all know and understand the importance of recycling. Recycling is great but reusing is even better.

Reuse items before they find their way to recycling bins.

Use jars for food containers; use newspapers as wrapping paper; use cloth shopping bags instead of paper or plastic.

n Learn more about the products you purchase. Learn and understand the impact that the production, gathering or hunting of these products has on the environment.

Look for more sustainable products such as shade-grown coffee, biodegradable cleaners and organic produce.

We can greatly contribute to conservation simply by making wise purchases each day.

n Plan your garden. If you use pesticides, carefully read the labels for proper usage. Using higher than the recommended dosage will not necessarily kill more pests but can greatly harm soil, plants, water and wildlife.

n Understand that common household cleaners, pesticides and oils are hazardous waste and should be disposed of according to instructions.

Proper disposal reduces runoff of toxic residues and prevents further waterways and wetlands pollution and destruction.

n All life on earth is part of one great, interdependent system. Learn about biodiversity and its effects on local ecosystems. Create your own “backyard habitat” by providing food, cover and water for local wildlife.

And remember: We are all Earth’s trustees.



Tom Gillespie lives in Trinity and is a journalist and public affairs specialist at the N.C. Zoo. For more information on the zoo’s plant and animal collections, special events and education programs, go to their Web site at www.nczoo.org

        

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