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With constant news reports about pollution, global warming, destruction of wildlife habitat, the extinction of species, and more, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and at a loss as to how to make a difference. Not to worry! There are many ways you can initiate change and make a difference in our world, and some are as easy as flicking off a light switch. Please click on the topics below to learn more about how you can do your part. Make a contribution For more information, please call (805) 962-5339 or email your inquiry. Use LED Lights. Swap your old holiday lights for LED once they have worn out. LED lights run cooler, reducing fire risk, and use up to 90% less energy. Contact your local recycling center to see if they are taking old lights, donate the lights to charity, or visit HolidayLEDs.com where you can mail in your old lights and get a 15% off coupon for use on their site. Buy a Living or Pesticide-Free Christmas Tree. Demand is on the rise for Christmas trees that are not covered in chemicals; some growers use 40 different pesticides, as well as chemical colorants. The good news is that there are now a number of tree-farms that sell pesticide-free trees, so ask your local Christmas tree seller, or search for an organic tree farm near you on . You might also consider a living tree which can be kept in a pot and moved outdoors during the rest of the year. Recycle Your Cell Phone. Getting a new cell phone for Christmas? Recycle the old one! You can drop off your old phone at Zoo in the Eco-Cell box, located at the Zoo's entrance. Each year, 130 million cell phones are thrown out; recycling your old phone prevents hazardous elements from ending up in our landfills. Also, the Zoo will donate to The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which helps protect gorilla habitat that has been destroyed by mining for coltan, a critical component in phones and other electronics. Eat Locally-Grown Food. The holiday feast is a critical part of the holiday season. Try adding organic and local foods this year: not only does it taste better, you'll be doing your part for the planet too. Support local family farmers who grow sustainable turkeys, ham, and produce. Find out where to get local green products in your neighborhood by visiting organic.org, which lists both farmers' markets as well as stores that carry organic food. Make Your Own Wrapping Paper. Get creative! Use paper shopping bags (think old-school book covers), outdated maps, kids' artwork, scarves, posters...the possibilities are endless! Reuse/Swap Decorations. It's tempting to buy a new decoration each year to add to your collection. But what about a decoration swap with a neighbor or friend? You can also make gingerbread houses, string popcorn, create ornaments, or do other DIY projects that can also become annual family traditions. Help in the Field Please check back for 2010 dates.
Recycling
Energy Conservation
Recycle Your Old Cell Phone
Many of us have one or more old cell phones stuck in drawers or closets just waiting for a place to go. You don't want to throw them in the trash because you've heard its bad for the environment. Well, we have a solution for you! Bring in or mail your old cell phones to the Zoo. Cell phones brought to the Zoo can be recycled in the special containers at the front gate. Cell phones mailed to the Zoo should be labeled Cell Phone Recycling Program, Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Niņos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. ANY kind of cell phone will be accepted - even the big, heavy ones that were popular 10 years ago and wouldn't come close to fitting in your pocket now. For each cell phone received, a donation will be made to The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the Santa Barbara Zoo's partner for gorilla conservation. Why Should I Recycle My Phone? Cell phones also have had a direct effect on wild populations of gorillas. A critical component of cell phones and other small electronics is a substance called coltan. One of the few places in the world where coltan is found is the forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo-right in the middle of gorilla habitat. As a result of mining for coltan, critical habitat has been destroyed and gorillas have been displaced or even killed by poachers. By recycling your phone with us, you will be helping to raise money that will go directly to help these populations of gorillas. First, donations to The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International will help further their work to protect gorillas. Second, the reuse of cell phones results in the need for fewer new ones, which in turn reduces the need for coltan mining. Who Gets the Phones? Volunteer for environmental organizations |
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Santa Barbara Zoo and The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International are working together with a company called