Zoo Goes Green

The Lincoln Park Zoo is already pretty green, but now it’s going organic. Photo by Whattheheckallthenamesaretaken.

One could make the argument that a zoo, by nature, is already organic. But this weekend, the Lincoln Park Zoo is implementing one step in a five-year plan to reduce the attraction’s impact on the environment when they open the Cafe at Wild Things. The cafe will only feature organic, sustainable, locally produced snacks. Even the utensils will be made of biodegradable cornstarch-based plastics.

In addition to organic foods, the zoo:

has increased recycling, has planted seven heat-reducing green roofs, and installed more-efficient water recirculating systems in the polar bear and sea lion pools.

In the future, they hope to increase their organic menu offerings to guests. [S-T]