Broken, old and non-LED string lights can be dropped off at Alexandria Zoo Nov. 18 – Jan. 13

PINEVILLE, La. – Decorating for the holidays?  Before you throw away lights that are broken, old or not energy efficient, wait!  Recycle them with Cleco and the Alexandria Zoo’s “Lights for Lions” program. 

“The holidays are almost here and with that comes the task of putting up holiday lights,” said Jennifer Cahill, manager of corporate communication at Cleco.  “Cleco, in partnership with the Alexandria Zoo and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo (FOTAZ), is kicking off its first-ever holiday lights recycling campaign, ‘Lights for Lions,’ to help protect the environment, help the community conserve energy and support the conservation efforts of the zoo.”

Protect the environment

The copper and plastic materials used to make string lights can be recycled and reused to make other goods.

Conserve Energy

Recycled lights can be replaced with more energy-efficient LED lights, which use less electricity, require less maintenance and last two times longer.

Support Conservation Efforts

Part of the Alexandria Zoo’s mission is to support various conservation projects with financial contributions made through FOTAZ.  Cleco will match the proceeds collected by FOTAZ from selling the lights to a local recycling company up to $1,000.  FOTAZ then will donate the funds to the Wildlife Conservation Network Lion Recovery Fund (LRF).  Among other efforts, the LRF invests in projects to increase monitoring of the lion population and distribution and address habitat loss.  Their goal is to double the population of wild lions in Africa by 2050.

“This is a great project with local and worldwide benefits,” said Lee Ann Whitt, director of the Alexandria Zoo.  “We’re grateful for Cleco’s support of ‘Lights for Lions’ which helps us save endangered species.” 

Recycling bins labeled “Lights for Lions” are located outside of the front gates at the Alexandria Zoo and will be available for donations Nov. 18, 2019 through Jan. 13, 2020.  Extension cords and power strips also can be dropped off.  Please do not bring bags, boxes, loose bulbs, light clips or other types of lighting.