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Madison Entrepeneur Builds Business Around Growing Desire to Travel Green

Susan Bence
/
Milwaukee Public Radio
Liz Wessel inside the Clock Shadow Creamery in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood.

Liz Wessel launched Green Concierge Travela decade ago, as she noticed more and more travelers wanting  to leave as little waste and carbon footprint behind in their wake.

Wessel says when in Milwaukee, the Clock Shadow Building is one of the places she would recommend.

“We’re in the Clock Shadow Creamery because I think this is an ideal example of the extra add on when you travel and you’re trying to be sustainable,” she says.

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Other Milwaukee spots on Liz Wessel's green list.

Credit Scott Becher
Susan Bence chats with Liz Wessel inside Clock Shadow Creamery

Right now she’s putting an Alaskan trip together.

“Alaska is one of those destinations where people want to go there… and there’s a little bit of urgency coming in because everyone has been hearing that that the glaciers have been melting and retreating,” Wessel says.

So how can you travel there and not feel you’re adding to the problem?

Wessel says the first hurdle is figuring out if the traveler is willing to fly.

“And you know we’re going to have to fly to some destinations. But you can do a carbon offset which is where you pay for your carbon pollution by having a project done that sort of balances that. I think balance it by putting your money into a local organization that is actually protecting the destination that you are going to look at,” she says.

When possible, Wessel advises people to explore by foot. “One of my favorite things is recommending a walking tour of a new city or destination, so you get a orientation to where and then spend the rest of the time visiting the other places you don’t get to see."

The Green Concierge says she surprised herself recently, when she visited Los Angeles.

“People say I’m crazy but I’ve really come to appreciate Los Angeles. You cannot believe the amount of open space within an hour of the city. I’ve been hiking in the open space immediately above the Getty Museum and seen a coyote hunting, right in the middle of day.” Wessel adds, "It’s such a vibrant place.”
 

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And, on the eve of Mardi Gras, Wessel shares details of a trip she set up for her own family to explore New Orleans.

Susan is WUWM's environmental reporter.<br/>