MN Zoo - a welcome escape, and green too!

I went to the Minnesota Zoo earlier this week with my 3-year old. It was the rare occasion that it was just the two of us, no big sister. It was frigid outside, which meant no monorail and no bird show (because it was too cold to transport the birds between buildings), but the Tropics Trail transported us to another climate zone for a little while!! (There is significant construction along the Tropics Trail as they are creating a couple new exhibit areas and the gibbons are on 'maternity leave', but it was still great).

And what's more, I noticed that the zoo is offering only corn-based compostable utensils instead of plastic, as well as post-consumer content recycled plates & napkins. With a handful of exceptions, everything available in their food court area is COMPOSTABLE! Way to go!

I've always thought the the zoo is a great place for kids to learn about the wider natural world, to inspire awe about animals and their environment, and to see firsthand the importance for conservation! So many of the animals in zoos are endangered in their natural home due to habitat loss or environmental degradation. It just felt 'right' to have eco-conscious options in the dining area as well!