Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, hosts an annual Earth Day recycling event called “Party for the Planet.” This event aims to encourage families to make a positive impact on the environment by recycling various items, including electronics, textiles, and used books. The event is a collaborative effort between the zoo and several partner organizations, providing a convenient and eco-friendly way for visitors to dispose of their unwanted items.
Event Details
The Party for the Planet recycling event typically takes place on a Saturday in April, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is held in the zoo’s main parking lot, located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois. Visitors can enter through the gate on 31st Street, just west of Golfview Avenue.
Items Accepted for Recycling
The Brookfield Zoo Earth Day Recycling event accepts a wide range of items for recycling, including:
Electronics
- Computers
- Laptops
- Cable adapters
- Phones
- Tablets
- Modems
- Docking stations
- Cable boxes
- Gaming consoles
- Microwaves
- Small metal appliances
- Chargers
- Printers
- VCRs
- DVD players
- Keyboards
- Radios
- Flat screen monitors
Textiles
- Blouses
- Socks
- Coats
- Shirts
- Dresses
- Children’s clothing
- Paired shoes
- Ties
- Gloves
- Backpacks
- Belts
- Plush animals
- Comforters
- Curtains
Used Books
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
- Craft books
- Cookbooks
- Children’s books
- Textbooks
Partner Organizations
The Brookfield Zoo Earth Day Recycling event is made possible through the collaboration of several partner organizations:
- eWorks: Collects and recycles electronics.
- USAgain: Collects and recycles textiles.
- Discover Books and Open Books: Collect and recycle used books.
Additional Activities
In addition to the recycling collection, the Brookfield Zoo Earth Day Recycling event offers several other activities:
Tree Planting
After dropping off their recyclables, visitors can assist the groundskeepers in planting a tree to commemorate Earth Day.
Earth Day Run
A non-competitive 2.2-mile fun run takes place inside the zoo on the following Sunday. Participants receive an Earth Day Run commemorative medal and a packet of wildflower seeds. The entry fee is $35 per person, which includes full-day admission to the zoo.
Benefits
The Brookfield Zoo Earth Day Recycling event provides several benefits to the community and the environment:
Conservation
Proceeds from the Earth Day Run support the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund, which supports research and education efforts at the zoo and around the world.
Environmental Impact
Recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduces pollution, and maintains a healthy environment for animals to thrive.
Registration and Information
Visitors can find more information about the Brookfield Zoo Earth Day Recycling event, including registration details, on the zoo’s website at brookfieldzoo.org.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or media-related questions, you can reach out to Sondra Katzen, the Director of Public Relations at Brookfield Zoo:
- Office: 708-688-8351
- Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
- E-mail: [email protected]
Past Results
In 2022, the Brookfield Zoo Earth Day Recycling event was a resounding success, with the zoo collecting:
- 7,000 pounds of electronics
- 11,000 pounds of books
- 5,000 pounds of textiles
These impressive numbers demonstrate the commitment of the Brookfield Zoo and its visitors to sustainable practices and environmental conservation.