What is W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge?
The W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge is a 31-day, global challenge in July that encourages participants to build eco-friendly habits and reduce their carbon footprint!
The Maryland Zoo is collaborating with other accredited zoos and aquariums across North America to make a positive impact on the planet! W.I.L.D. stands for Walk Intentionally, Live Differently–a guiding principle that sets the tone for this challenge. As we embark on this journey, our small, mindful steps contribute to a greater collective impact.
In recent years, the Maryland Zoo and volunteers participated in a similar competition against other zoo and aquarium across the country and even took home first place in recent years! We need your help to defend our title while conserving the environment.
How do you sign up?
Join the Maryland Zoo’s W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge Team:
✅ Download the free JouleBug! app in the App Store or on Google Play.
✅ Create your account and enter the access code: WILD2025
✅ Join the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge and find the Maryland Zoo team
✅ Explore the app and start earning points by logging your planet-friendly actions!
Tell Me More!
The Bad News:
- An estimated one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die from plastics in their environment.
- Recent research also suggests that terrestrial species are negatively affected as more microplastics make their way into their ecosystems.
- Some of the animals you visit at the Maryland Zoo whose wild cousins are negatively impacted by plastic pollution are penguins, bears, pelicans, and river otters.
The Good News:
- Over 181 million people visit AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums each year – that’s more attendance than major professional sporting events combined – so our community has the opportunity to make a big impact!
- Did you know that common wisdom says it takes three weeks to change a habit? If you can stick with a new behavior for 21 days in a row, you’re a lot more likely to keep it up forever. After reducing your reliance on single-use plastic for a month, you may very well be a plastic-free warrior for life.
- Last year, by changing our habits during the Plastic Free July Challenge, our team kept 2,471 plastic items out of the landfill, picked up 3,210 pieces of litter, spent 34,273 minutes outside and more!
Resources
The Zoo Teen Volunteers created easy guides for eco-friendly DIY’s! Click the buttons below the view the flyers and make your own sustainable projects.
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