Zack Burns - How Hydroponics Feeds Giraffes and Cuts Emissions at the Zoo

The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit (MRSS) is the largest sustainability conference in the Midwest, bringing together hundreds of visionary leaders to share ideas and solutions for a healthier, more resilient, and equitable future. The annual summit features a full day of programming, including speakers, exhibitors, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, covering a wide range of topics from climate justice and green workforce development to resilient food systems and circular economy practices. MRSS serves as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, inspiring action and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future in the Midwest.ShownotesZack Burns is the hydroponics technician at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. He explains how a pilot hydroponics program is cutting food miles, saving water, and connecting with the community.  Zack explains how the zoo's hydroponics program started and why reducing their carbon footprint from animal food was important. He covers the basics of hydroponics—growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water. The zoo's vertical system sits in two 40-foot shipping containers located off zoo grounds.The lettuce they grow feeds the giraffes in their visitor feeding program, giving people a direct connection to the zoo's sustainability work. Zack talks about the environmental benefits: no transportation emissions from growing food on-site and better protection against supply chain problems. The program fits into the zoo's zero-waste goals by creating compostable plant waste for their bio-digester. Zack mentions other sustainability projects at the zoo, like their large solar canopy and plans to reach net-zero emissions. He emphasizes working with other zoos, including their partnership with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and how they help other facilities start similar programs. Zack shares his personal path into hydroponics, his love of growing plants, and how rewarding it is to support both animal care and community education.Episode in a glance- The Cincinnati Zoo's Hydroponics Program- Hydroponics 101- Benefits of Growing Food On-Site- Data Collection and Analysis for Sustainability- Zack’s Journey into Hydroponics- Getting Involved in Sustainable AgricultureAbout Zack BurnsZack Burns is the hydroponics technician at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where he combines his passion for plants with his commitment to sustainability.Connect with Zack Burns and his workCincinnati Zoo Website → https://cincinnatizoo.org/Zack on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-burns-b56919134/Send us a message!