Detroit Zoological Society | 15 Award Program Inspires the Next Generation In 2022, the DZS rewarded students who are making their schools – and the world – greener with GreenPrize. The GreenPrize Award Program is a sustainabilityfocused project that encourages student-led green programs and “Green Teams” – clubs focused on environmental sustainability – in schools. GreenPrize applicants developed and implemented a sustainable project in their school or community that could impact lasting change. A total of $4,500 in prize money was distributed among Green Teams at participating schools in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. “This program is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmentalists,” McDowell says. “These kids came up with some great projects that will have a real impact. As GreenPrize grows, I know it will help us create positive change for animals and nature.” Zoo Restaurants Earn Prestigious Award The DZS, in partnership with its food and retail provider, SSA Group, announced in spring 2022 that Buddy’s Pizza and Table 28 are verified by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) as 3 Star Certified Green Restaurants. The GRA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making restaurants more sustainable through rigorous standards. Our restaurants offer innovative recycling programs, vegan-friendly menu items, numerous eco-friendly products, utilize 100 percent LED lighting throughout the buildings and more. These innovations qualified us for the award. “This certification reflects our unified charge toward making our home here at DZS an industry leader in environmental sustainability,” says Michelle Hurley, general manager for SSA Group. “We’re excited to continue this mission in the years to come.” Permeable Pavers Lead the Way Guests at the Detroit Zoo can take a – literal – step toward sustainability. The DZS recently replaced the more-than-20,000square-foot pathway at the Arctic Ring of Life due to cracks and trip hazards caused by the age of the poured-in-place concrete. While the replacement was necessary, we took this as an opportunity to upgrade the pathway in a way that exemplifies our mission of healing nature. The new clay permeable paver system allows stormwater to flow through the joints into the ground below, which keeps stormwater from running off into the sewer and replenishes the groundwater supply. This new system both lasts longer than concrete and is better for the environment.
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