A Global Movement to Reduce Waste and Promote Sustainable Living Through Everyday Action
POWELL, OH – This July, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are expanding their award-
winning sustainability efforts with the launch of the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge—a global
waste-reduction initiative powered by JouleBug, a leading sustainability engagement platform.
Over the past several years, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds have successfully led a Plastic-
Free Challenge that inspired thousands of people to reduce their plastic use. Now, the Zoo and
The Wilds are building on that momentum with a newly rebranded and expanded initiative—the
W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge—further growing a global movement toward zero waste that
already includes zoos and aquariums, conservation organizations, schools, businesses, and
individuals in communities around the world, all united in a shared mission to promote
sustainable living.
Running July 1–31, this annual zero-waste challenge empowers people to track and improve
their eco-friendly habits using the JouleBug app, available for free on iOS and Android. Users
can log over 140 sustainable actions that reduce single-use plastics, minimize waste, and support
long-term environmental health—making it easier than ever to live more sustainably.
What is the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge?
W.I.L.D. stands for Walk Intentionally, Live Differently—a call to action that reflects the
Columbus Zoo’s deep commitment to protecting wildlife and preserving natural ecosystems.
From reusing containers to refusing plastic straws, every action logged helps combat the growing
crisis of plastic pollution while empowering individuals to make meaningful changes in daily
life.
“At the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, we believe conservation starts with the choices we make
every day,” said Kristeena Blaser, LEED GA, Director of Sustainability, Columbus Zoo and The
Wilds. “The W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge empowers individuals to take simple, impactful
actions that protect wildlife and reduce waste. By partnering with JouleBug, we’re making it
easier—and more fun—for people around the world to be part of the solution.”
Why This Matters
Plastic waste is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. It’s turning up
everywhere—from microplastics in drinking water and seafood to pollution in even the most
remote natural areas. This type of pollution affects the health of humans, wildlife, and entire
ecosystems.
Raising awareness about the many forms of pollution and how to reduce waste is a critical first
step toward meaningful change. That awareness can influence consumer choices and drive
demand for solutions that reduce waste, keep materials in use longer, and minimize
environmental impact from the start.
In 2024, the Zoo and The Wilds’ plastic-free campaign engaged 4,173 participants across 49
U.S. states and 11 countries, who together logged more than 103,900 plastic-free actions. With
the 2025 W.I.L.D. Challenge, the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and JouleBug aim to expand that
impact and build an even broader community of sustainability champions.
“Plastic-free living doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Tony Pease, CEO of JouleBug. “The
Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are leading the way by making climate action fun, educational,
and accessible. We’re proud to partner with them to help people walk intentionally, live
differently, and make sustainability part of their daily routine—one small action at a time.”
How to Join the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge
- Download the JouleBug App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create an account and use the access code WILD2025 to join the Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium community. - Join the challenge, pick a team, and track your actions throughout the month of July.
- Invite friends, coworkers, and family members to join you.
- Share your progress using the hashtag #WILDZeroWaste to inspire others.
Start Here: Join the Challenge
Whether teams are just beginning their zero-waste journey or looking to deepen their impact, the
W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge provides a fun, supportive, and meaningful way to take action
for a healthier planet.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jen Fields
Director of Communications
Columbus Zoo and The Wilds
Direct: 614-645-3579
jen.fields@columbuszoo.org
Mor Aframian
Director of Product Experience
JouleBug
mor.aframian@joulebug.com
About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 600 animal species from around the world, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a
recreational and education destination that includes the 23-acre Zoombezi Bay waterpark and 18-
hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a nearly
10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a
wildlife conservation organization with regional, national, and global impact, annually
supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. The Columbus Zoo is an
award-winning destination, recently named the top zoo in Ohio by USA Today’s 10Best
Readers’ Choice, affirming its position as one of the most respected and impactful zoological
institutions in the country. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
About The Wilds
The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes along the Appalachian Byway and
attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually. With the mission of Empowering People. Saving
Wildlife., The Wilds is among one of the largest, cutting-edge conservation centers in North
America and is home to more than 500 animals representing 28 rare and endangered species
from around the world. The Wilds operates tours, overnight accommodations, special events, and
summer camps as a source of revenue. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in
Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. The Wilds is open year round, with a
full line of tour options running from May through October and specialty tours available from
November through April. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.
About JouleBug
JouleBug is a mobile app that gamifies sustainable actions to help individuals and organizations
reduce their environmental impact. With tools that promote climate action, employee
engagement, and eco-conscious behavior, JouleBug is used by businesses, schools, and
communities to build a more sustainable future. For more information visit
https://www.joulebug.com/.
