<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-695 aligncenter" title="hdr_conservation_station" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/hdr_conservation_station-300x114.gif" alt="hdr_conservation_station" width="300" height="114" /></p>

<p style="text-align: left;"><em>By Amanda Ista
AAZK Conservation Committee Member
Zoo Keeper - Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI
<a href="mailto:amanda.ista@milwcnty.com">amanda.ista@milwcnty.com</a></em><a href="mailto:amanda.ista@milwcnty.com">
</a>
As zoo keepers we all have different reasons for choosing to be in the zoo field.  It is hard not to be attracted to the wide range of unique benefits like the bulging triceps resulting from unloading truckloads of hay, one-of-a-kind scars, or the free “perfume”.  But for most of us, we are in the field to make a difference in the lives of the animals we care for and to help their wild counterparts.  Part of making a difference involves conservation and the AAZK National Conservation Committee focuses not only on what we as keepers can do to be involved in conservation for animals in the wild, but also what we can do at home to impact conservation.  Part of conservation at home is adopting “green” practices like recycling, buying recycled products and reducing consumption of goods.  But how can we translate this into “green” polices at work?  One way is to start a “Green Team” or to become involved in your organization’s current Green Team.

<strong>What is a Green Team?</strong>
A Green Team is simply a group of employees who are interested in pioneering or improving a company or organization’s environmental practices.  With the rising trend of “green” practices, more and more companies, including zoos and aquariums, are forming strong Green Teams that are resulting in not only a reduced carbon footprint but also reduced operation costs and even additional income.  Green Teams are having a large impact on how companies and consumers are viewing environmental practices at work and are a great example of how one voice teamed with another and another CAN make a difference.

<strong>“My zoo doesn’t have a green team, how do I start one?”</strong>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Get management support</strong>
Like most new projects, having management on board and supporting the team is integral to the success of the project.  Do your research about what other Green Teams have accomplished and present the costs and benefits of having a green team at your zoo.  Provide some examples of simple projects that the team could work on and include how much time will be spent on these projects.
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Assemble a team</strong></p>

Build a team of conservation-minded individuals who want to make a difference in the environmental practices at your zoo.  Try to include representatives from as many different departments as you can.  Having input from all areas of the zoo (including animal care, grounds, concessions, education, administration and even volunteers) brings invaluable points of view that help to make your team a zoo-wide effort.

<strong>Establish a mission statement and goals</strong>
Decide on the mission of your team and tie that into your zoo’s mission statement.  Doing this helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page about where the team is going and how that     impacts your zoo’s overall mission.  Establish core goals to help the team stay on track and focused.   Work together towards common objectives and development of new projects.

<strong>Think big but start small</strong>
The overall objectives of the committee might be long term, wide-ranging goals, but start with small, simple projects that will result in tangible results.  This will facilitate buy-in from the rest of the staff.  Small projects that are successful but do not require  a large amount of work from the staff will help build the momentum and lead to larger and more time-intensive projects.

<strong>Report your successes</strong>
Publish regular reports on the activities of the Green Team.  Let the staff know what the team has accomplished and what projects are in the works.  Report any quantifiable results such as income from cell phone recycling or reduction of the cost of waste removal. Solicit ideas for new ideas and projects or members from staff. Get the  staff excited about conservation and environmental practices through incentives or prizes to keep motivation high.

<strong>“My zoo has a Green Team, how do I become involved or contribute new ideas?”</strong>

As more and more individuals and companies strive to become “greener”, the number of ideas on how to accomplish this …………

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