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Traveling Green

As gas and other energy prices soared in the first half of the year, going green became not just an ideological choice but an economic imperative.

Detroit automakers felt the pain of years spent churning out SUVs for short-term stock market gains at the expense of virtually handing the future automotive market to foreign brands.

Solar and wind energy made historic gains as Congress finally saw political value in speaking up for the environment and alternative energies.

And even the tourism industry found its greener side, as the Travel Green Wisconsin program witnessed dramatic growth, especially in Door County.

When the annual Peninsula Pulse Sustainability Issue came out in April, there were 17 Travel Green Wisconsin certified businesses on the peninsula, and 141 state-wide. As the year nears its end, there are now 203 across the state, including 29 on the Door Peninsula in Door and Kewaunee counties.

Will Christianson, the program’s director, explained in April that the program had sparked an unspoken competition between businesses and regions to gain ‘greener’ status.

“Since you can separate the businesses on the Web site by the number of points they earned,” Christianson explained, “we’re seeing businesses begin to compete. You’ve got Madison looking at Bayfield, Bayfield looking at Door County. People looking over their shoulder at what other places are doing.”

That competition heated up over the course of 2008. Below are the local businesses who went through the certification process and continue to do their part in cutting waste, use, and energy every day.

Door Peninsula Travel Green Certified Businesses

Businesses must earn 30 points to get Travel Green certified. Business point totals are listed to the right of the business name.

White Pines Victorian Lodge 94

Cottage Retreat 88

The Flying Pig 78

Peninsula State Park 73

Bread and Water 72

Blacksmith Inn On the Shore 68

The Rushes 66

Lodgings at Pioneer Lane 65

Black Walnut Guest House 61

Potawatomi State Park 62

Country House Resort 61

The Cookery 61

Ashbrooke Suites 59

Ecology Sports 58

Greens ‘N Grains 57

Journey’s End Motel and Cabins 55

Quiet Cottage on the Lake 54

Havenly Inn 53

Little Sweden 52

Brodd’s Little Cottage 52

Birchwood Lodge 51

Rock Island State Park 50

TR Pottery 48

Come On Inn 47

The Bridge 43

Eagle Harbor Inn 40

Bay Shore Outdoor Store 36

Door County Kayak Tours 34

Washington Island Hotel, Restaurant, & Culinary School 34