Sustainable Living in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Sustainable living is becoming more and more popular, as people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a great place to live sustainably, as there are many resources available to help you get started. This article will discuss some of the best tips and tricks for sustainable living in La Crosse!
What Is Sustainable Living?
Sustainable living is about making choices that minimize your impact on the environment. This can include reducing your energy consumption, recycling and composting, eating locally grown food, and using less water. Making these kinds of changes in your life can significantly impact the environment, and it’s also a great way to save money!
Why Live Sustainably?
There are many reasons why you might want to live sustainably. For some people, it’s about doing their part to protect the planet. For others, it’s about saving money on their utility bills. And for some people, it’s simply a lifestyle choice that they enjoy. No matter your reason, sustainable living is a great way to improve your life and the world around you!
La Crosse’s Sustainability Efforts
The City of La Crosse is committed to sustainability and has been working hard to reduce its impact on the environment. What are the ways they’ve reduced the impact on the environment?
Encouraging recycling and compost
The city offers curbside recycling and compost pickup and drop-off locations for residents who don’t have curbside service. They also offer discounts on garbage services for residents who recycle and compost.
Reducing energy consumption
The city has installed solar panels on several buildings, including the police station and city hall. They’ve also replaced all streetlights with LED lights, which use less energy.
Working with local farmers
The city has partnered with local farmers to provide fresh, locally grown produce to La Crosse residents. They’ve also created a community garden, where residents can grow their food.
Reducing water consumption
The city has installed water-saving devices in all city buildings and is working to promote water conservation among residents. Reducing water consumption is essential, as it helps conserve this valuable resource.
While La Crosse is working on its impact on the environment, it also carries it over to a lot of the city. We will cover the parks, co-op farms, and eco-friendly businesses.
Parks & Hiking Trails
La Crosse is home to many beautiful parks and hiking trails, perfect for getting some fresh air and exercise. In addition to being great for your health, spending time in nature can also be very relaxing and rejuvenating.
Parks to visit
Our favorites include Myrick Park, Riverside Park, Cameron Park, and Pettibone Park. Myrick Park is especially significant in the fall when the leaves change color. Riverside Park is perfect for a summer picnic, and Cameron Park has an excellent playground for kids. Don’t forget Pettibone Park, which has a great view of the river!
Hiking trails to explore
There are many hiking trails located throughout La Crosse County, so you’ll find one that’s perfect for you. If you’re looking for a challenge, try the Grandad Bluff trails. For a more leisurely hike, try the La Crosse River State Trail. And for a scenic view, hike up to the top of Mount La Crosse!
Co-op Farms
If you’re interested in eating locally grown food, La Crosse has several co-op farms that you can join. Co-op farms are community-supported agriculture ventures where members pay a monthly or annual fee to receive a share of the farm’s produce. This is a great way to get fresh, healthy food while supporting your local farmers!
Some of our favorite co-op farms include Rooted Spoon Collective, Coulee Region CSA, and Blue Moon Community Farm.
Eco-Friendly Businesses
La Crosse is home to many eco-friendly businesses, including several green hotels, restaurants, and stores. These businesses are committed to sustainable practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting, recycling and composting, and local and organic ingredients.
Environmentally Friendly
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s environmentally friendly, try The Charmant Hotel or The Waterfront Hotel. These hotels have received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, meaning they meet high energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
Delicious Meals
Check out The Green Owl Cafe or One Barrel Brewing Company for a delicious meal. The Green Owl Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant that sources many of its ingredients from local farmers. One Barrel Brewing Company has a menu made entirely of locally sourced ingredients, and they also offer a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.
Shopping
And for some shopping, stop by The Little Sprout Children’s Boutique or The Hub Bike Co-op. The Little Sprout Children’s Boutique sells eco-friendly clothing and toys for kids. The Hub Bike Co-op is a cooperative that sells bicycles and bicycle accessories, and they also offer repairs and maintenance services.
As you can see, there are many ways to live sustainably in La Crosse. We hope you’ll take some time to explore all of the great options our city has to offer!
Take Part in Sustainable Travel
You can also help the environment by taking part in sustainable travel. Sustainable travel is tourism that does not hurt the environment or local communities. Some of the ways you can practice sustainable travel are by:
Choosing public transportation instead of driving whenever possible
La Crosse has an excellent public transportation system, and it’s easy to get around without a car!
Packing light
This will help to reduce your carbon footprint when flying.
Offsetting the carbon emissions from your flight
You can do this by planting trees or investing in clean energy projects.
Researching your destination
Before you travel, take some time to learn about the local culture and customs. This will help you respect the place you’re visiting and avoid cultural missteps.
Staying in eco-friendly accommodations
Look for hotels or Airbnbs with sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting or recycling programs.
Supporting local businesses
When traveling, try to patronize local businesses as much as possible. This will help boost the local economy and avoid large, multinational corporations.
Sustainable travel is a great way to see the world without harming the environment. Sustainable travel is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while also enjoying all that La Crosse offers!
Getting Involved in Sustainable Living
There are plenty of ways to get involved in sustainable living. Some are small, and others are huge, but every little bit makes a difference! Here are a few ideas:
Get involved in your community
Learn about what initiatives are happening in your area and get involved in the planning process. Being involved in your community is a great way to make sure that the sustainability initiatives in place are ones that you support. You can get involved in your community by attending city council meetings, volunteering for local organizations, or joining a community group.
Make small changes
You don’t have to make massive changes all at once. Just start with one or two things and work your way up. Maybe you could create by recycling more or composting your food scraps. Or perhaps you could try using less water when you brush your teeth or take shorter showers. Every little bit helps!
Advocate for sustainability
Talk to your friends and family about why you choose to live sustainably and how they can do it. You can also talk to your boss or co-workers about making sustainability a priority at work. If everyone does their part, we can make a significant impact! Advocating for sustainability at work and home is a great way to get involved in sustainable living.
Connect with other sustainability-minded people
Many people in La Crosse are interested in living sustainably. Connect with them online or through local organizations. This is a great way to learn about new initiatives, share tips, and make friends. There are plenty of groups and forums online where you can connect with other sustainability-minded people. You can also check out the La Crosse Area Sustainability Fair, held every year.
Celebrate your successes
Living sustainably is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your successes along the way. Be proud of your progress and celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small. Every step you take is helping to make a difference!
Why Waste Reduction Is Important For The Planet And Your Wallet
Reducing the amount of waste you produce is essential for both the environment and your wallet. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your waste:
Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk can help you save money and reduce packaging waste.
Repair broken items instead of buying new ones: Fixing broken ones is usually cheaper than buying new ones, reducing waste.
Compost: Composting your food scraps can reduce the amount of waste you produce, and it’s excellent for your garden!
Recycle: Recycling is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you produce.
Reuse: Reusing items instead of throwing them away is a great way to reduce waste.
Final Thoughts
La Crosse is a great place to live if you want to be sustainable. Many parks, hiking trails, and co-op farms make it easy to get involved in sustainability. You can also find eco-friendly businesses, green initiatives from the city government, and people who care about the environment.
There are many ways to live sustainably, and we encourage you to explore all of the great options our city offers. Get involved in your community, make small changes in your everyday life, and connect with other sustainability-minded people. And most importantly, celebrate your successes along the way!
