Wisconsin
High School Conference
on the Environment

Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education

When hosting the Wisconsin High School Conference on the Environment, we do what we can to reduce our environmental impact. Here are some of our efforts to Walk the Talk environmentally.

NatureWise
We will be purchasing electricity through the NatureWise Program which will offset our energy use at the conference site for the day of the event.

The NatureWise Program, offered by Wisconsin Public Service, is a voluntary program providing earth-friendly renewable energy from wind and biomass resources located right here in our community. Any customer is Wisconsin Public Service's territory can choose to join NatureWise. More information: http://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/home/naturewise.aspx 

NatureWise gives you the power to:

• Choose clean energy
• Make a difference for the environment
• Preserve resources for future generations
• Reduce reliance on coal and natural gas
  

Site Highlights
The Dreyfus University Center (DUC) integrates design strategies that minimize the building’s negative impact on the natural environment while creating a livable environment that protects the user’s health and safety. Here are just some of the items featured in this building:

• Landscape and Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands
• Light Pollution Reduction
• 20% Water Use Reduction
• Minimum Energy Performance
• Storage and Collection of Recyclables
• Low-Emitting Adhesives, Paints and Coatings, Carpet, and Composite Wood
• Daylighting and Views

To learn more about DUC sustainability initiatives, please visit http://www.uwsp.edu/centers/construction/sustainability.asp.

Recycling
Recycling containers throughout the conference site are provided to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.

Carpooling
Participants are encouraged to carpool to the conference and reduce carbon emissions

Reduced Mailings
All conference information and materials are available on this web site. As often as possible we replace paper mailings with email and encourage people to access information via the web. This reduces the amount of paper used, amount of printing needed, and reliance on postal transport.

Water Bottles Encouraged
Participants are encouraged to bring a reuseable water bottle for use at the conference. We discourage the use of plastic cups throughout the day.

Reduced Packaging
We work with the conference site to offer "boxed" lunches without the boxes. Individual lunch items are set out buffet style so participants can take only the items they prefer rather than getting one of every item in a box. Reusable plates and glassware will be used at lunch as well as paper napkins from Greenware. Lemonade and water will be served from pitchers to reduce individual containers.

Nametag Recycling
Nametag holders are collected as participants leave the conference. We reuse participant nametag holders year after year.