Polyester fabric is a petroleum based product and the production process involves a lot of energy and impacts greenhouse gasses.   And most of all, when washed, polyester releases micro fibers of plastic into the water that end up in our local waterways and is harmful to wildlife.  

The Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates four zoos and an aquarium in NYC, is headquartered at the Bronx Zoo.  Seasonal employees are issued 65% polyester slacks, and polyester shirts as their uniforms.   They are harmful to the environment when washed, and later they likely are trashed after season employment ends.   Also, they are extremely uncomfortable during the majority of the summer season with hot and humid conditions, and many seasonal employees have to stand for hours at a time or work in areas where there is little or no shade.  The Zoo no longer provides uniform shorts to its seasonal employees.

The WCS pledges in its mission statement to protect habitats and their environment.  I hereby petition the WCS to buy only 100% cotton uniforms.  And I implore the WCS to provide at least one pair of 100% cotton cargo Khaki shorts to seasonal employees. 

I would also like to see the Bronx Zoo greatly improve its reduction and recycling programs as pertains to its guests and employees.  It is severely lacking in awareness and participation.  Most of the aluminum drink cans and paper products that are sold or used at the zoo are trashed, not recycled.