In our last e-newsletter, we informed you about Parks and Recreation Division's efforts to "go green." Our Green Initiatives Team now needs your assistance in helping us to conserve water and reduce energy use. Each year, PRD spends over $2 million on utility bills.  That cost is roughly 5% of our entire operating budget, and  they are expected to rise. The energy that powers the buildings and campsites in our state parks and recreation areas also is typically produced by coal-burning power plants, whose emissions are a source of air and water pollution.

Please help us control overall utility costs and promote energy conservation while camping or visiting a state park this summer. Join our team to go green!

• Turn off, turn down and unplug.
• Turn off your AC when you aren't in your RV
• Clean or replace your AC filter monthly
• When buying any new electrical device, look for the Energy Star
• Instead of AC, open a window or go for a swim
• Turn off the lights during the day
• Position your RV to maximize day-lighting
• Install window films to reflect sunlight and heat
• Take shorter showers
• Turn the water off completely after you take a shower (please report leaks to staff).
• When brushing teeth, shaving or washing hands, turn the water on only as needed
• Rather than watching TV, go for a walk
• Instead of cooking on an electric stove, cook over the campfire
• If you use an electric stove, always cover your pots and pans
• If you need to use an oven, use a microwave oven
• Turn off the patio lights when you retire for the night
• Replace your incandescent lights with compact fluorescents or LEDs
• Set the temperature of your refrigerator between 36-39° F.

We also welcome your energy-saving suggestions and ideas. Please contact a campground host, park supervisor or a member of the park staff and let them know that conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency are important to you.

Editor's note: Congratulations to the Green Initiatives Team for being selected as the 2007 Innovative Park Resources Award recipient. The award was given at the 2008 Michigan Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference and Trade Show in Traverse City in January.