Bayfield: Greenest City

The Northland has always kept an eye on the environment, but people from one area can say they are the brightest green in Wisconsin. The city of Bayfield and the surrounding town of Bayfield share more than just their name. They share a respect for Mother Nature. Mayor Larry MacDonald says the green movement started with the people.

"I think it's just Bayfield doing as Bayfield always does. We like to lead the way and we feel encouraged by our residents."

Those folks were given a bag full of green cleaning products and a recipe book so they can keep making their own cleaning solutions. The Clean It Green It program was born. Green mini grants up to $250 were also handed out. Mayor MacDonald says the response from the public was more than positive.

"We had 100% success, everyone liked it."

This year businesses will receive similar grants. Even without a grant some businesses are becoming green by participating in a program called Travel Green Wisconsin. First businesses must earn at least 30 points by doing things like using energy saving lights or composting. According to kristen Sandstrom of the Chamber of Commerce, the first 30 are the easiest.

"The challenge comes in that you need to be constantly trying to improve upon your score from year to year."

There are more than 200 businesses participating, but some areas have more than others. The Bayfield area had a combine total of 32 green businesses at the start of this year. More than any other place in Wisconsin. By the end of the year they hope to double that number. So what makes everyone so eager to jump on board? It might be in the water. Bayfield wastewater treatment plant operator Joel Weber says they try to discharge the cleanest wastewater possible.

"We used to chlorinate before we discharged to Lake Superior. You try to want to get away from adding chemicals to anything you're discharging to Lake Superior."

Instead of adding chemicals the water gets a tan. They use UV lights to kill bacteria. It also moves through filters to clean the water even further. Local apple orchards are also reducing chemicals. Eco Apple orchard owner Bill Ferraro says he uses as few chemicals as possible.

"There's about six or seven insects that like to attack the apples. These general purpose insecticides would wipe out all six of those, but they would also take the beneficial insects along with them."

Instead farmers trap bugs and spray for each insect as it comes out. Even with everything Bayfield has done, Mayor Macdonald says they won't stop here.

"I think the future plan is just to keep going with the green movement."

Bayfield is also participating in Governor Doyle's 25x25 program. This means 25 percent of their energy must come from renewable sources by the year 2025.