Since 1997, people across the country have come together on November 15 to celebrate America Recycles Day. This is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling — a day to educate and motivate our neighbors, friends and community leaders about what can be achieved when we all work together. Here is one way for you and your family to get involved if you live in the Cincinnati area: Celebrate America Recycles Day by exploring the zoo while learning how reducing, reusing and recycling helps creatures all over the world. The zoo will have several activity stations designed to educate students about natural resources. Also, find out how animal “zoo doo” is turned into compost and meet some of nature’s best recycling animal. In addition, there will be the opportunity to create colorful, recycled-content art that you can take home with you. Students are encouraged to pack a waste-free lunch and to bring #6 PS plastics such as clamshell containers and deli lids to contribute to the art project. This field trip is designed for grades 1 through 5, but all are welcome to participate. This would be a great school field trip, homeschool field trip or a fun outing with your preschooler. For additional information, visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden website. Stay tuned to 1-800-RECYCLING on Twitter and Facebook for much more on America Recycles Day events.

If You Go

Date:  Thursday, November 15, 2012 Time:  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location:  Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH Fun fact: The Zoological Society of Cincinnati was founded in 1873 and officially opened its doors in 1875, making the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden the second oldest zoo in the U.S.