Bayfield Chamber Environmental Policy

The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and

Visitor Bureau is committed to continuously

improve its operations in order to reduce its

environmental impact on the community. In environmental impact on the community. In

doing so, we have set goals and are taking

specific actions towards environmental

sustainability. The areas we are addressing

are:

• Communication and education of visitors,

employees and the public – by educating

individuals on ways we are working to

improve our environmental impact as well as

ways they can reduce their impact on the

environment.environment.

• Energy efficiency, conservation and

management – by integrating energy efficient

practices into our office operations which also

reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Water conservation and wastewater

management – conserving water by reducing

consumption and monitoring the quality of

water we put back into the environment.

• Air quality – by improving air quality indoor as

well as outdoor by minimizing air pollutants.

• Purchasing – by purchasing green and

environmentally preferable items which

includes locally produced products and

services from locally owned businesses.

So, what have we done?

• Since 2006 the Chamber has been collecting all grey water at the annual Bayfield Apple Festival

• The Bayfield Chamber has supported the Sustainable Bayfield group with collecting compost, fryer grease and other recyclables at the annual Bayfield Apple and other recyclables at the annual Bayfield Apple Festival.

• In 2007 the Chamber received a grant to implement a rain barrel program providing 50 Bayfield residents and businesses with a rain barrel.

• For the past two years the Bayfield Chamber has provided an “Electronics Recycling” program. All electronics were collected by a company guaranteeing that no components would be shipped overseas or disposed of in a irresponsible manner.

• In May 2009 the Bayfield Chamber facilitated the • In May 2009 the Bayfield Chamber facilitated the First Chequamegon Bay Energy & Environmental fair – welcoming 35 local businesses and contractors to share their knowledge with the Chequamegon Bay communities.

Travel Green Wisconsin Program

• The Bayfield community has been actively involved since the programs pilot in 2007.

• Bayfield now has more Travel Green certified businesses than any other community in businesses than any other community in Wisconsin.

• Through this program area businesses have begun new practices such as:

• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

– Converted diesel boats to biodiesel

– In the process of moving all island operations “off the grid”

– Developed brochures and interpretive programs for the public

– Reduced boat fleet size significantly to reduce fuel usage

• The Artesian House

– Replaced all incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.

– Removed all disposable cups from property and replaced with ceramic from a local

potter

– Installed two 4x8 solar panels and added an 80-gallon tank for solar-heated hot water –

handling about 50% of the inn’s hot water needs. handling about 50% of the inn’s hot water needs.

• Big Water Café & Coffee Roasters

– In the last 6 months of 2008 they composted over 4000 pounds of coffee grounds, over

1600 pounds of kitchen scraps. Given to a local farmer who then sold Big Water produce

for their restaurant.

Buy Local First!

• Part of being a sustainable community means

that we must also create a sustainable local

ECONOMY!

Buy Local First!

• This campaign has included:

– Quarterly advertising in local newspapers

reminding people to “Buy Local First”

– Quarterly postcards have been sent to the Bayfield – Quarterly postcards have been sent to the Bayfield

residents thanking them for “buying local.”

– Signage and buttons have been distributed to local

businesses asking them to remind and thank their

customers for “buying local.”

Top 5 reasons to buy local:

• Buying local help keep jobs in Bayfield.

• It keeps unique one-of-a-kind businesses versus franchises in Bayfield.

• Purchases help fund local services like schools, police, fire and community ambulance through police, fire and community ambulance through local taxes.

• Your purchases help keep Bayfield businesses open.

• For every $100 spent in Bayfield, approximately $45 stays in Bayfield and continues to strengthen the local economy.

This is just the beginning…