MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-266-0458; djohnson@travelwisconsin.com
Erin Johnson, Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau
715-779-3335; erin@bayfield.org
Community leads the state with total of 51 TGW certified businesses
BAYFIELD, Wis. – A bookstore, wedding pavilion, cabin and marina are among the most recent businesses committing to sustainability in Bayfield by joining the ranks of Travel Green Wisconsin. With innovative practices like freecycling, collecting rainwater and utilizing local and organic products, these businesses bring Bayfield to a total of 51 TGW certified businesses and join over 335 certified events, attractions, and destinations around the state.
“Bayfield is a small community that packs a punch, with pristine natural resources, exceptional dining and accommodations, and no shortage of activities,” said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “The level of commitment to sustainability this community has is outstanding, especially with the number and variety of businesses certified, and really raises the bar and sets a fantastic example for other communities.”
This year, the Department of Tourism adopted a flat fee of $95 for membership in the Travel Green Wisconsin certification. The change was based on industry feedback and to encourage a wider variety of tourism businesses and organizations to consider implementing sustainable practices in their operations. In addition, the benefits of being a member have increased.
“We are extremely proud of the continued sustainable efforts and dedication by the Bayfield area’s local business owners”, says Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau, Cari Obst. “While we received the first Governor’s Tourism award for sustainability in 2011, we are committed to continue building on our reputation as the state’s leading travel destination for sustainability.”
The list of businesses recently certified follows with a highlight of a few of their sustainable practices. Their full list of green initiatives can be found at http://www.travelwisconsin.com.
Apostle Highlands Weddings is a convention center that requires customers to recycle, uses local and organic produce for dining that is grown on company-owned farm and works closely with local businesses, such as charter sailing and fishing, golfing, and salon services.
Apostle Island Booksellers innovative practices include providing customers a complimentary
bag made of recycled plastic bottles, supporting and participating in community activities, like Big Top Chautauqua and Pie and Politics, and sponsoring, promoting, and donating to a number of local organizations devoted to conservation.
Bayfield Wine & Spirits implements innovative practices such as reusing wine case packaging as spacers in multi-bottle purchases and purchasing cleaning products in large bulk twice annually.
Bayfield’s Festival of Arts purchases local and reusable products for the event, uses recycled paper for marketing materials and pre-plans tour routes, with bicycles available for rent.
Cooper Hill House B&B is committed to sustainability by collecting rainwater on-site, using 70% recycled paper for marketing materials and turning off computers and small appliances when not in use.
Cozy Nook Bed & Breakfast innovative practices include using online transactions and email to minimize paper usage and supporting and participating in community activities, like Applefest and the Apostle Island Dog Sled Race.
Hausers Bayfield Cabin earned an impressive 103 points with green practices like freecycling, use of reusable goods such as soap and glass and ceramic dishware, motion sensor lighting, Energy Star windows and appliances, and the use of alternative energy, with 80% geothermal.
A Natural Branch of Learning is a forest play program for children that uses renewable energy, including solar and hydro power, conserves and rehabilitates the natural landscape by using native plants and trees instead of lawns and rehabilitates wetlands, and maintains a rain garden with a 350 gallon capacity.
Pike’s Bay Marina is also Clean Marina certified and implements innovative green practices such as filtering boat wash waste to avoid polluting the lake, collecting and recycling antifreeze and oil, and organizing Safety at Sea seminars.
Travel Green Wisconsin is the first of its kind in the nation and serves as a model to promote environmentally-friendly practices in the tourism industry. The program is unique for its inclusion of all tourism-related businesses and organizations including but not limited to attractions, events, accommodations, outfitters, restaurants, retail, visitor centers and more. Tourism businesses interested in learning more about becoming certified can contact Travel Green Wisconsin Program Manager Shelly Allness at mallness@travelwisconsin.com or 608-261-8767.
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the State as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: http://www.travelwisconsin.com.
