Sustainability at Lantern Festival
  • Lighting for Lantern Festival is powered by connecting to the electrical grid to prevent local air quality concerns associated with operating on-site diesel generators.
  • 100% of the exhibit's electrical usage is offset by wind energy credits donated by Ameren Missouri Pure Power.
  • All food waste and disposable service will be collected and taken to a commercial composting facility.
  • Byproducts of Lantern Festival display construction such as silk and metal were collected for reuse and recycling.
  • At the conclusion of the festival, all displays will be deconstructed in a manner that allows maximum repurposing and/or recycling of exhibit components.
Tips for "Greening" Your Visit

The Garden strives to make the most sustainable choice for plants, people and the planet. Thank you for joining these efforts as you enjoy your visit!

Refilling water bottle at a hyrdration station

Bring your Reusable Water Bottle
St. Louis enjoys some of the nation’s best tasting water.

  • Refill your bottle at the hydration stations located in the Ridgway Visitor Center, Spink Pavilion, Brookings Interpretative Center, the Japanese Garden, and the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. Drinking fountains are also located throughout the grounds.
    • Find exact locations on your Map and Visitor Guide.
  • Forgot your bottle? Souvenir refillable bottles are available in the Garden Gate Shop, Sassafras Café, the Terrace Café, and at the Children’s Garden.


Stop Before you Toss . . .
Most waste can be recycled or composted.

 

  • Recycling bins are conveniently paired with trash cans throughout the Garden.
  • Composting containers are always available in Sassafras and Terrace Cafes and are located throughout the Garden during some special events.


Consider Alternative Transportation
There are multiple ways to get to the Garden.

 

 

  • Electric vehicle charging stations are available in the west main parking lot at no cost to all Garden visitors. 100% of electrical usage is offset by wind energy credits purchased via Ameren Missouri.
  • Bicycle parking is available in the upper west parking lot at the Ridgway Visitor Center.
  • Metro bus stops are conveniently located along Shaw Blvd. Go to http://www.metrostlouis.org to find the best route.
  • Attending as a small group—consider calling a taxi or carpooling to save on fuel and parking.


Dine Green!
Sassafras Café was the first restaurant certified “green” in the State of Missouri.

 

 

  • Enjoy our dining room with plenty of natural lighting.
  • Local foods are widely integrated into our menu selections.
  • All meals are served with reusable plates and utensils.
  • Food waste and napkins are collected for composting.


Shop Green!
The Garden Gate Shop features a wide selection of eco-friendly products and gifts.

 

 

Learn more about sustainability at the Garden