Denver Zoo and CH2M employees clean South Platte River

Denver Zoo and CH2M, presenting sponsor of the Zoo’s traveling art exhibit, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, joined forces Saturday, October 15, to clean up trash that had “washed ashore” the South Platte River. Employees from both organizations worked to collect and recycle debris, supporting the mission of Denver Zoo’s current art installation: to raise awareness about plastic pollution and minimize the amount of debris left on beaches and in water sources.

Washed Ashore features 15 giant sculptures of marine life, made almost entirely from trash collected from beaches. Though Denver is far from any ocean, it is estimated that 80 percent of ocean pollution originates from activities on land and flows down rivers to oceans.

Denver Zoo partnered with CH2M because of the firm’s commitment to sustainability and resiliency, including deep expertise in water, transportation and environmental services. CH2M helps clients and communities around the world solve complex challenges by advancing sustainability in the development of infrastructure and industry, balancing social, economic and environmental priorities. CH2M is sponsoring the exhibit and cleanup to promote awareness, education and community involvement, protecting natural resources and ensuring public access to safe, reliable water supplies.