Staten Island offers unlimited unique experiences in the sustainability realm. Join SIEDC on June 12, 2025 for a FREE behind the scenes look at some of the most interesting environmental, eco-friendly and sustainable energy-related venues in the borough. (These tours are for adults only)
1:00 p.m.
Learn about the mysteries of recycling from the experts at Pratt Paper, the largest factory on the borough's West Shore, during this small group tour. See firsthand the people, processes and machines used to recycle everyday items and learn how materials go from your recycling bin back onto store shelves.
For more than 30 years, Pratt has been sourcing, producing and recycling paper in the United States. The Staten Island facility receives mixed paper waste from all 5 boroughs of the City via barges and trucks through the Department of Sanitation. This material, consisting of recovered fiber, is then used to produce 100% recycled corrugated paper, including material to be used to produce pizza boxes, among many other items.
1:00 p.m.
Experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the Heritage Farm at Snug Harbor, a sustainable closed-looped urban production farm that grows food for the community. Heritage Farm at Snug Harbor is also the second largest soil based farm in NYC.
See their seeding, learn their crop plan, and how they nourish the soil while growing the best produce possible. Then see where they turn food waste into valuable compost! Find out about composting opportunities for your household, observe different compost systems, and learn how they can turn organic waste into an important community resource.
4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Exclusive VIP mini-safari through the Zoo’s Tropical Forest and Africa Savannah.
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., guests tour the Tropical Forest & Africa Wing. Animal care staff will speak about animal husbandry and training for the monkeys, lemurs, meerkats and other animals in these Wings.
4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. guests meet face-to-face with a Zoo “animal ambassador”, and then embark on self-guided tours through the Reptile Wing and exterior exhibits (including bald eagles and porcupines).