July 3, 2007

A joint effort by the Department of Environmental Quality and Travel Michigan is making it easier for tourists to "think green" while traveling in our state. Michigan's travel information Web site, www.michigan.org, now labels Michigan Clean Marinas and golf courses certified through the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program with these designations, making it easy for visitors to know where these voluntary stewardship programs are being implemented.

Certified Clean Marinas operate and maintain their facilities in ways designed to protect water quality and natural resources while enhancing the overall boating experience. Besides providing technical guidance and expertise to participating marinas, the Clean Marinas program acts as an information conduit to more than one million Michigan boaters.

Golf courses in the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program implement measures to prevent pollution, protect water resources, enhance wildlife habitat, and reduce energy use.

"The DEQ will continue to support these programs that encourage environmental stewardship across our state," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "These partnership efforts are proving that we can protect our environment while making Michigan a great place to live, work, and play."

Businesses that practice pollution prevention typically enjoy substantial cost savings. The ability to market their services to "green" consumers is an added advantage.

"Many consumers make conscious personal choices to benefit the environment in their day to day lives," said George Zimmermann, Director of Travel Michigan. "With the help of the new information on our Web site, these consumers can continue to support Environmental Stewardship while on vacation."

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised July 3, 2007 by Pat Watson