Eco-friendly tourism businesses recognized
Wednesday, September 27 is World Tourism Day, a global observance that promotes awareness of tourism’s importance and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. This year’s theme is “Tourism and Green Investments”, highlighting sustainable tourism and environmentally responsible practices while emphasizing the significance of investing in green initiatives within the tourism industry. VisitErie, Erie County’s official destination marketing organization, marks this day by recognizing several eco-friendly tourism businesses that are doing their part to preserve the environment for the benefit of the Erie community and its visitors.
- Asbury Woods: In addition to its year-round offering of environmental educational events and programs, Asbury Woods also features a state-of-the-art nature center with a green “living” roof, abundant natural lighting, and solar heating.
- Erie Art Museum: The Art Museum was Erie County’s first attraction to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification, the second-highest level of sustainability achievement. The 2015 building addition used recycled rapidly renewable, low-emitting, and certified construction materials that celebrate sustainable architecture.
- Presque Isle State Park: With a focus on conserving natural habitats through education and sustainable recreation, Presque Isle offers year-round programs that emphasize the importance of preserving the park’s unique ecosystem and fostering environmental stewardship. Visitors can also partake in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation that have minimal human impact on the environment.
- Tom Ridge Environmental Center: TREC was designed with an eco-friendly mindset, incorporating many sustainable features to minimize its environmental impact including a floating floor to hide utilities, renewable resources, plant-based material floors, natural sunshade windows, solar panels, and rainwater filters.
- Erie Zoo: The Zoo’s innovative recycling and waste reduction practices include composting its herbivorous animal waste and kitchen scraps from animal diets to nourish its botanical gardens and using recirculated water for many of its animal exhibits.
- Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park: LEAF focuses on preserving native plant species, providing habitats for local wildlife, and spreading the knowledge of eco-friendly living through various programs and events.
- Mazza Vineyards: Mazza has partnered with TimberFish Technologies to launch a sustainable fish farm pilot system transforming brewery wastewater and discarded grain into alternative fish food to support the onsite fish farm at Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing in western NY.
VisitErie President and CEO John Oliver remarked,” Eco-friendly attractions not only showcase Erie’s natural beauty but also exemplify our region’s commitment to responsible tourism. By preserving our environment, we’re ensuring a vibrant future, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature in a sustainable way.”
