• Choose lodging and attractions designated by the State of Wisconsin as “Travel Green” businesses .
• When using the water ways, trails or visiting islands, check regulations and special concerns with the appropriate agency: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore  Chequamegon National Forest, Department of Natural Resources, etc.
• Use existing trails, campsites and designated docking areas; avoid off-limits preserves and environmentally fragile areas.
• Take nothing but pictures (don’t disturb plants, trees, nesting areas); leave nothing but footprints (pack up your garbage and recycle it properly).
• Monitor your petroleum and electrical use and reduce/replace with renewable sources: biodiesl, solar, wind, and human (walk, bicycle, sail, paddle, surf—you get the picture).
• Help keep wildlife wild.  Don’t feed birds and animals or leave behind food waste that converts wildlife to nuisance animals. Yes, we have black bear, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, fishers, seagulls, etc. who would love to share your lunch so keep it out of their reach (hung from a tree) or in “smell-proof” containers.
• Observe wildlife from a distance (bring your binoculars).
•  Leave pets at home or restrain them to protect natural areas and wildlife.
• Watch your use of fire.  Almost all forest fires are human caused.
• Encourage travel related businesses in your hometown to become “Green”.  Contact Travel Green Wisconsin to find out how.

*Travel Green Wisconsin evaluates businesses on their environmental impact—energy use, waste disposal, chemical use, construction, consumables, air, water and land pollution, etc. and certifies them only if they meet certain standards.

Adopt a “Preservation Lifestyle”** at home and away:

• Renewable energy transportation. Bicycling is the most energy efficient ever devised: low cost, no pollution, easy to repair, and runs on renewable energy. (Walking, skateboarding, roller/in-line skates also qualify)

• Eat less, move more, and don’t waste food. Great for the heart, the waistline, the pocketbook, and reducing the impact of agriculture on the planet.
• Solar power your washday.  The clothesline is cheap, runs on solar energy, needs no electricity, is pollution free, can be put up and taken down almost anywhere, and your clothes smell sweet and “sun-kissed”.  In the winter, use a foldable drying rack indoors to help humidify the house.
• Ceiling fans (and fans in general) make a space feel 9 degrees cooler than it really is.  Pull the shades and curtains on hot sunny days.  If you must use an air conditioner, set it 80 degrees or above to remove humidity and use fans to supplement.
• Recycle and compost to reduce the waste going into landfills (and polluting ground water).  “Free-cycle” usable items on your community internet site or donate to a community resale shop.  Compost grows great flowers and veggies.
• Turn down the heat and wear a sweater, robe, warm slippers and put an extra blanket on the bed at night.  Cooler air is also healthier to breathe.  On sunny days raise the shades and add solar power.
• Grow your own herbicide, pesticide, toxin free vegetables.  Use your own compost rather than commercial fertilizers.  Try container gardening for patio and roof top gardens. Gardening is also a great family activity!

**Adapted in part from “The Seven Plus Wonder of Sustainability” by Donella H. Meadows, adjunct professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth College and director of the Sustainability Institute.