Wisconsin’s initiative obviously focuses on the badger state, but as you read the following, you could easily put Michigan—or any state for that matter—in place of Wisconsin.
“Travel Green Wisconsin is a voluntary program that reviews, certifies and recognizes tourism businesses and organizations that have made a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.” (This could mean everything from lessening water and energy usage to reducing solid waste.)
“Specifically, the program encourages participants to evaluate their operations, set goals and take specific actions toward environmental, social and economic sustainability . . . . The program is also designed to educate travelers . . . about sustainable tourism practices.” The site is a good introduction to green travel, and it has lots of links to learn more. There is also a list of certified “green businesses” in Wisconsin in more than a dozen categories.
The “Green” Hotels Association reports that the Travel Data Center estimates more than 40 million travelers in the United States are concerned about the ecological impact of their travel. Clearly, travelers with heightened interest will be eager to push green travel. Getting involved is so easy and painless, however, that this hotel association wants every traveler to play a part.
The association encourages travelers to compliment hotels, airlines and other travel businesses on their green program or to ask why they don’t have one. “Spend your dollars with travel businesses that are interested in protecting the beautiful destinations we all love to visit,” says association president, Patricia Griffin.
She has other suggestions, too. Tell management that it’s okay not to change sheets and towels daily in your room. Turn off the lights, appliances and AC when you leave your room. Carry your own bar soap and shampoo and leave the provided toiletries if you don’t use them.
Other ideas include buying electronic airline tickets if available. It reduces waste. Besides, paper tickets are expensive to replace if lost. Walk whenever possible. Use public transportation. When driving, don’t leave your vehicle idling. Reduce the amount of water used for showering or bathing in hotels.
Participate in hotel recycling programs. Don’t leave the bathroom light on as a nightlight. Instead, bring one from home. Pass free newspapers distributed by hotels on to others. Turn off exercise equipment when you’re finished. Use the electronic checkout where available to reduce paperwork and waste.
Take only the maps and brochures you need. Don’t buy products (feathers, animal skins, tortoise shells, ivory) from endangered species. Take only photographs and leave only footprints. Resist the temptation to take “souvenirs” from natural areas. Pick up litter. Use digital cameras to reduce the waste and expense of disposable cameras.
Not only do participating hotels find going green a new and important way to connect with customers, they actually can see economic benefits (reduced product costs and lower water/energy consumption, for example). In another post, we’ll take a closer look at the state of green travel in the Midwest.
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