It’s Good to be Green!
At Reptile Gardens, we want to be as green as we can possibly be. We are determined in to create a Greener, healthier environment for both animals and humans to enjoy. We care about our environment, want to preserve vital animal habitats, and aspire to be an example ‘Green’ member of the community.
Through our Conservation Green Committee task force, we are exploring energy conservation applications and the exciting potential for introducing energy efficient technologies to our grounds. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint by investigating alternatives to fossil fuels, conserving energy, decreasing our waste, and raising awareness for a greener planet.
Here’s a few everyday ways we can all be more earth friendly:
- Recycle plastic, cardboard, magazines, and aluminum
- Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
- Choose biodegradable products
- Change a light bulb - convert to compact fluorescent lighting
- Adjust the thermostat by a few degrees
- Turn off the lights and electronic devices when not in use
- Ride your bike
- Save water
- Plant a tree
- Be an activist – encourage your friends and family to be green!
We also encourage visitors to the Black Hills to make steps to become more environmentally conscience before and during their travels. With millions of tourists traveling the globe every year, it is essential to do your part in minimizing your individual impact on the Earth.
If you’re planning a summer trip, green it up with a few simple tips!
Before setting out on your vacation, make sure the thermostat on the hot water heater is turned down, adjust the air conditioner/heater and stop your newspaper.
Once at your destination, support local businesses, hotels and attractions that employ environmentally friendly measures.
Here are a few tips to make your summer trip more earth-friendly:
- Pack light
- Turn off and unplug lights and appliances when not in your hotel or other accommodation.
- Reuse your sheets and towels.
- Bring your own bar soap, shampoo and other toiletries rather than using the ones provided by the hotel.
- Keep showers short, and shut off water while brushing your teeth.
- Know your hotel’s recycling program. If the hotel does not recycle, find a place to recycle or if you can, take the empty bottles and other items home with you to be recycled.
- Whenever possible use public transportation or a hotel shuttle.
- Participate in local recycling programs and sharing or reusing pamphlets, brochures and maps.
- Participate in walking, biking or hiking tours.
- Carry a water bottle and refill as needed.
- Support local conservation programs.
- Pass on green travel tips to friends and family.
For additional information and tips on traveling green this summer go to travelgreen.org – a site produced by the U.S. Travel Association that provides information on sustainability efforts within the travel community.
