Zoo Atlanta’s Quarters for Conservation program encourages conservation through small change
By Zach S.
March 15, 2023
Under the driver’s seat of your car right now, there is probably a small metallic disc that has the power to change the world. This small, unassuming disc is a quarter, and while it may not be able to buy much these days, it can do a world of good in the right hands or paws.
A Quarter’s Purchasing Power
In the “good old days,” a quarter could buy a pack of Juicy Fruit gum, a hamburger and fries from a fast food chain, a jar of grape jelly, a five-pack of toilet paper, or a loaf of bread. Today, however, one quarter can only buy a game of Ms. Pacman on a busted arcade machine at your local pizza place. Stacking quarters or laying them out in a line can give us some serious purchasing power though. At Zoo Atlanta, they use quarters to fund conservation efforts through their Quarters for Conservation program.
Quarters for Conservation
Each year, staff at Zoo Atlanta nominate conservation programs to be selected for Quarters for Conservation, and then the zoo’s Conservation Committee evaluates and chooses three different conservation programs from those nominated. For one whole year, of every ticket sold to the zoo, one quarter from that ticket goes to Quarters for Conservation. So, visitors who purchase tickets to Zoo Atlanta are not only supporting conservation work done by the zoo itself, but also making a contribution to a fund that will make donations to other conservation groups. Visitors can even select which conservation group their quarter goes toward.
Current Benefited Programs
The current Quarters for Conservation benefited programs at Zoo Atlanta are Vulpro, Colobus Conservation, and Project Gorilla Fernan Vaz. Vulpro protects African vulture populations through rehabilitating injured birds and will utilize Quarters for Conservation to expand their breeding program to include two endangered species that call Zoo Atlanta home. Colobus Conservation works with Kenya Wildlife Services to mitigate wildlife traffic accidents, protect wildlife habitat, and provide economic opportunities to local communities. And Project Gorilla Fernan Vaz focuses on saving gorillas while also helping people by providing reliable income, training community members to conduct biodiversity surveys, and purchasing locally-grown produce for gorillas in their care.
By supporting these conservation programs and others, small change can make a big difference in the world.
Sources: Alot Finance, United States Mint, and Zoo Atlanta
The Power of a Quarter: How a Small Sum Can Make a Big Difference
Many of us are often on the hunt for ways to make a difference in society and contribute positively to the world. We volunteer, donate to charity, and recycle in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint. However, what if I told you that a small coin that is often overlooked and undervalued could also be a powerful tool for creating change? That’s right, the humble quarter has the potential to make a significant impact. Let’s delve into how this small sum can make a big difference.
First, let’s look at the financial aspect. A quarter may seem like an insignificant amount, but when pooled together, it can create a considerable impact. A quarter a day for a year equates to $91.25, which is enough to fund a month of school for a child in a developing country under the “Adopt A Village” program by Save the Children, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world. This initiative focuses on creating sustainable change in communities by providing education, basic health care, and economic support. The small sum of twenty-five cents can truly change a child’s life!
Another way a quarter can make a substantial difference is through the practice of kindness. Random acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on others. One way to do this is through the “pay it forward” concept, where one person does something kind for another, and in turn, that person does something kind for someone else. A simple gesture like buying a cup of coffee for someone in line behind you at a coffee shop can brighten someone’s day and promote positivity. So, the next time you have a quarter to spare, pay it forward and see how your small act of kindness can make a bigger impact by inspiring others to do the same.
The impact of a quarter can also be seen in environmental efforts. It is said that every little bit counts, and when it comes to the environment, this is especially true. Recycle Across America, a non-profit organization aiming to standardize the label instructions for recycling bins, has a fundraising program where individuals can collect and donate their used quarters as a way to support their cause. Proceeds from the quarters collected go toward printing new standardized labels for the recycling bins. This small act of collecting and donating quarters not only helps the organization to make a difference but encourages people to recycle more and practice more sustainable habits.
In conclusion, the power of a quarter may not be apparent at first glance, but when utilized correctly, it can have a significant impact on society. From funding education, promoting random acts of kindness, to supporting environmental efforts, every small sum counts. So the next time you spot a quarter on the ground or in your pocket, remember its potential and how it can make a positive impact on someone’s life. As the old saying goes, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” But in today’s world, it’s fifteen pennies saved that can create a $6.19 impact. So, let’s put the power of a quarter to good use and see the change it can bring.
