Waterpark:
Chaos Water Park

As summer heats up and the daily temperature climbs toward 90 degrees, cooling off in the water sounds better and better. Since baking in the sun isn’t for everyone, Eau Claire has an indoor option: Chaos Waterpark. But no one is thrilled about that salty chlorine smell that often hovers around an indoor pool, so Chaos is developing a few green solutions. The park has been increasing its green efforts by using regenerative filters and a water cleaning system that purifies its water seven times above the average waterpark, while still reducing the amount of water used. Now the park has recently decided to start using sphagnum moss. The moss, which grows in New Zealand, is shipped overseas and placed in waterproof tubes that are used in Chaos’ water filter system. This allows the park to use less than half of the chemicals it did before in order to keep its water clean. The product has been used in other pools and on golf courses before, and it is has proved an effective way to keep the water clean. Chaos Waterpark has been using the moss for the past four months in an extended trial period. If it works well, the moss could be used in many of Wisconsin’s waterparks. For now, you can breathe a little easier and relax a little longer at Chaos.

Manufacturing:
Bush Brothers & CO.

The Bush Brothers facility in Augusta has thought of nearly everything when it comes to being an earth-friendly business. When the decision was made to add a new office, the owners saw a unique opportunity to cut costs while also maximizing energy efficiency. The basic idea was that the existing facilities generate large amounts of excess heat during their baked beans manufacturing processes, and by transferring it over to the new addition, the need for traditional heat during the winter would be eliminated. Snow would also be melted on the walkways around the building using any warmth left over. Aside from that, the facility is engineered with enough windows to almost eliminate the need for electric lighting during daylight hours. The new addition uses around one-third to one-half of the electricity it would without the modifications, and won the 2006 Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Leadership Award for the innovative “heat recovery” program. Now that (pardon the pun) makes for some “green” beans.

Toiletries:
Just Specialty Products

It’s hard to stay clean and green these days. Even when you can find earth-friendly body washes or shampoos, it’s often too expensive for the average budget. Now there’s a local option: chemist Julie Weghorn of Menomonie has perfected an all-natural line of cleansers, including soaps, hand sanitizers, and bath products to clean you up without cleaning you out. Based out of Menomonie, Weghorn handcrafts every product from high-quality natural materials. Every ingredient is sustainably sourced and biodegradable. And with scents that range from Yuzu Grapefruit to Rich Dark Chocolate, you can see why customers keep coming back. Most products are available on Etsy or you can visit their website at TrustJust.com (they’re also available at a few Menomonie shops). Perhaps the best deal of all: save money, and save the planet.

 

Otter Creek Inn, Eau Claire

Lodging:
Otter Creek Inn

We all need to get away sometimes, whether it’s from the job, the kids, or studies. It’s hard to find green travel options, but there’s a local inn that can save you money and save the planet. Otter Creek Inn is one of the longest operating bed and breakfasts in Wisconsin and one of the most green. Shelley Hanson, co-owner, says that the inn uses mostly local produce and cheese in their breakfasts, as well as other local food within health guidelines. The six-bedroom inn also has recycling and linen reuse programs. “If our guests are staying over more than one night, we give them the option of reusing their linens and towels. About 60 percent of our guests will take the option,” Hanson says. The owners also collect stormwater runoff for outdoor use, like watering plants on the property. The inn was certified by Travel Green Wisconsin just over a year ago, but Hanson won’t stop here. She and her husband Dave are currently trying to change the types of cleaning products they use in their rooms to safer, greener brands. This getaway is relaxation-certified and earth-approve

Interior Design:
Department of Interiors

Green homes are definitely in, and designers are quickly adapting to the market. But local business Department of Interiors sets itself apart. The company specializes in cost-effective green design, and they also offer green products for home installation. Bonnie Feltz, founder and CEO, says these products have included wallcoverings with recycled content and natural fibers, countertops made from recycled products, cabinets made of locally harvested wood, and furniture with safe lumber and soy-based cushions. DOI also offers LED light options, in anything from chandeliers to floor lighting. And these products won’t break the bank. “The best part is that they’re readily accessible and available at standard prices,” she said. DOI is also committed to giving back to the community, as Feltz speaks to organizations about design ethics and sustainability and donates to community groups. “Department of Interiors puts the planet first, as do our clients,” Feltz said. Mother Nature will be happy to hear that.