Environmental Resources
DDC Leave No Trace Survey
We assessed resident and visitor understanding of stewardship practices, awareness of new DDC outdoor ethics guidelines, and the importance of outdoor recreation opportunities in Door County.Travel Wisconsin: Become Green Certified
Learn how you can get your business Green Certified and help promote "smart, environmentally friendly business practices."Travel Green
Travel Green Wisconsin certified businesses are working hard to do their part in protecting our environment for today and future generations. Investing in them means an investment in a more sustainable future that preserves our natural resources.Friends of the Grand Traverse Islands
Our mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the natural and cultural resources of the Grand Traverse Islands in Wisconsin and Michigan for the inspiration, recreation, and education of this and future generations.Legacy Communities – a Green Tier Charter
Green Tier is a voluntary program that recognizes and rewards environmental performance "that voluntarily exceeds legal requirements related to health, safety and the environment resulting in continuous improvement in this state's environment, economy, and quality of life."Niagara Escarpment Resource Network
The Niagara Escarpment is a prominent rock ridge that spans nearly 1,000 miles in an arc across the Great Lakes region, forming the ancient “backbone” of North America. It runs from eastern Wisconsin to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, through southern Ontario to western New York State, where Niagara Falls cascades over it, giving the escarpment its name.Door County Environmental Council
Fostering the preservation of Door County’s natural resources by advocating for the protection and preservation of our natural resources for all of Earth's inhabitants and future generations.The Ridges Sanctuary
The mission of The Ridges is to protect the Sanctuary and inspire stewardship of natural areas through programs of education, outreach and research. We believe we will be the center for Environmental Stewardship.Play Clean Go
Stop invasive species in your tracks. REMOVE plants, animals & mud from boots, gear, pets & vehicle. CLEAN your gear before entering & leaving the recreation site. STAY on designated roads & trails. USE CERTIFIED or local firewood & hay.Door County Land Trust
The Door County Land Trust has worked to preserve, maintain and enhance lands that contribute significantly to the scenic beauty, open space, and ecological integrity of Door County. In pursuit of this mission, we have earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier conservation organizations. We have worked with scores of landowners to protect more than 8,000 acres of fields, forests, farmlands, orchards, wetlands, and shoreline.Climate Change Door County
Climate Change Coalition of Door County is a non-partisan organization that through education, outreach and civil dialogue increases public understanding of climate change and its many detrimental impacts at home and around the world. Our objective is to inspire prompt action by individuals and policymakers at all levels to address the causes and challenges of climate change and to help communities adapt to its impacts.Celebrate Water
Celebrate Water is a year-long series of activities to celebrate Door County’s water, understand the threats to our water, and inspire people to act and protect our water. It is an initiative of Healthy Water Door County, a fund of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc. The mission of Healthy Water Door County is to protect our community’s human, environmental, and economic health by guarding against threats to our water.7 Smart Ways To Make Your Business Environmentally-Friendly
Check out this article from The Huffington Post with clever ways to make your business more environmentally sustainable.Energy-Saving Tips from Wisconsin Public Service
Energy expenses are among the largest costs for most businesses. Learn how to manage your energy use and costs with these tools.More Green-Friendly Business Tips
Whether it's adjusting your thermostat or investing in energy-efficient equipment, you can be in control of how much electricity and natural gas your business uses. Reduce your energy use and costs by taking these simple and affordable steps.
Heating & Cooling Tips
- During the winter months, keep your thermostat between 65° and 70°. Dial your thermostat down when your business is closed.
- Install a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you are closed, and raise it shortly before you open for business. Savings can be dramatic.
- Have your heating and air conditioning serviced prior to heating and cooling seasons. Your system may last years longer and your chances of a break-down will be reduced with regular maintenance.
- Open blinds or drapes to let the sun in on winter days.
- Don't heat space you don't use. Close the vents and shut the doors to infrequently-used rooms and open them when you need them. By minimizing the space you heat, you can save significantly on heating bills.
- Warm air quickly rises out of your comfort zone. Direct your heating registers to blow horizontally across the floor instead of straight up.
- Use fans to help with air movement. Fans can make your business feel more comfortable and delay the need to turn up your furnace or air conditioning — saving energy. If you have ceiling fans, set them so you feel a breeze coming down (usually counterclockwise) in the summer. In the winter, reverse the fan's direction and operate it at a low speed to bring your warm, heated air down where you need it.
- Use weather-stripping and caulking wherever it is needed. This will keep the heat and cool air from leaving the building.
- Change or clean your furnace filter at least once per month. Clogged filters inhibit airflow and make your furnace work harder.
- Insulate your business following the proper building codes and guidelines. Proper insulation keeps the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- If possible, plant trees around your business to provide shade in the summer.
Water-Heating Tips
- Buy a water heater blanket and follow the instructions to wrap it tightly around your water heater. It's an inexpensive way to help your water heater run more efficiently.
- Reduce use of hot water by installing water flow restrictions on your faucets.
- Fix leaks to help conserve energy and save money.
- Set water temperatures at 110-120 degrees to prevent scalding and save energy.
Office Equipment Tips
Always buy ENERGY STAR® certified products for your business. The ENERGY STAR label wil l help you find the most energy-efficient computers, printers, copiers and other equipment.
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