The Wisconsin 100

 

Going green has its rewards

windmills
Welcome to The Sustainability Issue.

In researching this issue of The Wisconsin 100, we quickly realized sustainability isn’t a topic that’s easily wrangled into 100-word articles. From reducing reliance on precious natural resources to finding new ways to reuse waste, to opening up new areas of study for the next stewards of the planet, Wisconsin is wholly invested in the many facets of sustainability.

We’ve curated a collection of articles intended to provide a snapshot of the innovative and passionate work being done across Wisconsin, highlighting the efforts by corporations, food/beverage operations, academic institutions and entrepreneurs to green our state, country and world.

– The Wisconsin 100 Staff

 

Sustainable Business Council applauds green corporate cultures

Green Masters Program
The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council awards sustainable corporate practices with its Green Masters Program.

Sustainability in the workplace goes beyond recycling and timed lights.

Each year the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council assesses Wisconsin businesses taking action in at least one of nine areas of sustainability, one of those being community, with the purpose of providing a benchmark to compare their sustainability performance to other companies.

Businesses awarded for a sustainable culture stand out through efforts to improve quality of life. As a recognized Green Master for four consecutive years, American Family Insurance sets an example of sustainable culture through transparency, offering flexible work locations and integrating sustainability practices and principles throughout its operations territory.

– Grace Gregg

 

Listen: WasteCap executive director on working in sustainability

Growing up in a state built on industrialization, it’s no surprise Travis Blomberg, executive director at WasteCap Resource Solutions, was open to the potential of leaving Wisconsin to pursue a career in sustainability.

But when the UW-Madison graduate was chosen to be a Climate Corps fellow through the Environmental Defense Fund, he landed in Milwaukee to launch his career.

With a master’s degree in environment and resources from the Nelson Institute – with a focus in business, environment and social responsibility – and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and political science, Blomberg discusses his journey in sustainability and future goals.

– Grace Gregg

 

Rockwell Automation walks sustainability walk

Rockwell Automation
A green roof atop Rockwell Automation's corporate headquarters in Milwaukee is a visible demonstration of the company's commitment to sustainability.

Named nine times to the list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, Rockwell Automation demonstrates why through its environmental, social and governance practices. Initiatives aimed at reducing energy and water use and deferring waste from landfills have led to a number of impressive recognitions. Among them:

• Seven years on the Dow Jones Sustainability North American Index

• 10-plus years on the FTSE4Good Index

• Top 30 green company on the Newsweek Green Rankings

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Rockwell Automation’s work with manufacturers around the globe, and the company has adapted and improved its internal operations to reflect its external work.

– The Wisconsin 100 Staff

 

How Trek Bikes rides for a better planet

Trek Bikes headquarters
Since 2009, Trek Bikes' Waterloo headquarters have been completely powered by green source electricity.

As a company that manufactures sustainable means of transportation, it seems only natural that Trek Bikes would be committed to eco-friendly business practices.

“It’s good for Trek, and it’s good for the health of people and the planet,” said Eric Bjorling, a spokesperson for Trek.

Over the years, Trek has committed to several sustainability initiatives, including:

• Wisconsin headquarters 100% powered by green source electricity since 2009

• First manufacturer in Wisconsin to entirely switch to renewable electric power

• First bicycle company to collect and recycle carbon fiber

• Successfully reduced its carbon footprint by 90% by switching to robotic paint system

– Rebecca Konya

 

Milwaukee designer champions sustainable fashion

Madam Chino
Since 2003, Madam Chino has fashioned original clothing from recycled T-shirts.

Milwaukee native Vanessa Andrew has been making handmade clothing from recycled materials under the name Madam Chino since 2003. Her hip garments are made-to-order from recycled T-shirts.

“It’s an empowering feeling to create something from nothing.”

Along with her online shop, Andrew sells her one-of-a-kind fashion designs and housewares at an eco-chic boutique of the same name on North Palmer Street in Brewers Hill. Madam Chino provides alterations, repairs and community sewing classes to extend the life of clothing.

“It’s a great way to keep clothing out of the waste stream,” said Andrew.

– Rebecca Konya

 

Farm-fresh ingredients abound in Wisconsin dining

Graze
Graze, on the Capitol Square in Madison, works with small farmers throughout the state to develop menus that showcase local ingredients.

There’s no shortage of farm-to-table restaurants in Wisconsin. For fresh ingredients and delicious food, try these spots.

The Lakely: With big-city quality at small-town prices, The Lakely, inside Eau Claire’s Oxbow Hotel, features locally sourced, seasonal menus of modern Midwest comfort foods.

Parkside 23: Boasting an on-site farm, you can’t get more farm-to-table than Parkside 23. The Brookfield eatery serves casual New American fare with its own vegetables and herbs.

Graze: Graze takes farm-raised ingredients to another level. The Madison restaurant’s eclectic menu ranges from pub-style classics to global-inspired favorites.

– Rebecca Konya

 

Compost Crusader turns food waste into useful commodity

Melissa Tashjian is passionate about getting people in the habit of composting food waste – so passionate she launched Compost Crusader from her Bay View home in 2014 to collect and compost food scraps and yard waste.

Four years later, Compost Crusader has grown from five customers to 600 residential customers and 130 commercial clients. Recently, Compost Crusader was one of three state companies chosen for the American Small Business Championship.

Tashjian also helps educate students about composting and moving beyond society’s throwaway mentality.

“We’re creating a culture around sustainability that empowers people to divert organic materials from landfills,” Tashjian said.

– Rebecca Konya

 

Where Wisconsin stacks up on U.S. food waste

waste prevention chart
Prevention, recovery and recycling policies are put in place to pump the breaks on the nation’s food waste issue. Here's how Wisconsin compares to the nation.

Diverting food waste from landfills by composting food scraps or recycling as animal feed is another component of sustainability, but what’s allowed under the law varies from state to state. Wisconsin, for example, enacted a policy in 2015 that prohibits swine from being fed food waste in order to prevent disease among the animals.

The state also keeps a tight rein on eggs, which cannot be sold after the expiration date on the package, though they are still considered safe for consumption. Some states, like Oregon, don’t require a sell-by date on eggs, but do require food safety labeling.

– Grace Gregg

 

UW-Milwaukee racks up national eco-accolades

UW-Milwaukee
UW-Milwaukee's decade-plus commitment to sustainability has garnered the university national recognition. (Pete Amland-UWM Photo Services)

UW-Milwaukee’s approach to sustainability includes reducing campus energy consumption, improving student/staff health & wellness, and expanding environmental & sustainability curriculums. Wisconsin’s second largest university has earned the following accolades:

• Top Green College, The Princeton Review

• Green Ribbon School, U.S. Department of Education

• Top 50 Cool Schools winner, Sierra Club

• Gold winner, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

Chancellor Mark Mone has described the university’s approach as “organic” and the work of many dedicated people.

2018 endeavors include a new waste reduction strategy and participation in Second Nature’s Climate Commitment to shrink UWM’s carbon footprint.

– Janet Raasch

 

UW-Stevens Point sustainability coordinator talks campus, community initiatives

In 2013, Dave Barbier became UW-Stevens Point’s first-ever sustainability coordinator, also establishing the school’s Office of Sustainability.

Since then, UW-Stevens Point has set the pace for installing sustainable principles in higher education, becoming the first UW System school to provide composting in all academic buildings, the first Wisconsin university to reach 100 percent renewable electricity, the recipient of a perfect Green Rating score from the Princeton Review Green College Honor Roll in 2018 and one of nine U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools in 2017.

Barbier discusses what’s next for sustainability at UW-Stevens Point.

– Griffin Gotta

 

Marquette plans for sustainable future with Wild Commons project

Transformative, innovative and green – that’s how Marquette University’s planning committee envisions the first residence hall built on campus since 1968. Set to open in August, Wild Commons, named after longtime MU President Rev. Robert A. Wild, will be LEED-certified and incorporate a sustainable structure.

Along with that, the building will include the campus’ first major green roof, an underground water storage tank and a hops wall outside the building’s chapel. Sustainable practices are also found throughout the university’s Campus Master Plan.

Lora Strigens, vice president for planning and strategy at Marquette University, discusses the project’s vision and sustainability features.

– Grace Gregg

 

How Kickapoo Coffee practices sustainability

Based in Viroqua, Kickapoo Coffee has been roasting since 2005, working closely or directly with farmers across the globe to produce coffee that showcases the unique flavors of each specific batch.

A multi-time Good Food Award Winner, Kickapoo’s roastery runs almost entirely on solar power from an 80-panel array, making them one of the first coffee roasters in the world to take power from on-site solar.

Scott Lucey, co-owner and manager of Kickapoo Coffee’s Milwaukee cafe, discussed how the company’s first shop employs sustainable practices in its everyday operations, and shares plans for a green future.

– The Wisconsin 100 staff

 

Lakefront recycles beer for food

Lakefront Brewery
Depending on the production schedule at Lakefront Brewery, between 50,000-80,000 pounds of spent grain per week is allocated to farmers for animal feed.

Lakefront Brewery always seeks ways to reduce its impact on the environment, including turning beer grain into recycled animal feed. Spent grain makes up as much as 85% of the brewery’s total byproduct, so recycling helps to lessen its waste stream.

“We contract with a company, which picks up our spent grain and sells it to farmers,” said Chris Ranson, Lakefront’s tour and environmental director. “What is waste to us provides an excellent source of nutrition for animals.”

The company also sources locally, purchases wind power from WE Energies and hosts an environmental tour guided by brewery president, Russ Klisch.

– Grace Gregg

 

Madison brewers get on the sustainability bus

toasting
Improving energy and water conservation is a priority among a growing number of businesses in Wisconsin.

Brewery tours in Wisconsin are nearly as legendary as the Friday fish fry, but leave it to Madison to take things up a notch with a tour of breweries that participate in sustainable practices.

The Sustainable Suds Brewery Bus Circuit 2X makes stops at four brewpubs/distilleries — Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Old Sugary Distillery, Alt Brewing, Ale Asylum — where tour-goers can sample products and learn about each site’s sustainable practices.

The $25 tour will be held April 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is sponsored by Rotary Club of Madison — After Hours and SWANA.

— The Wisconsin 100 Staff

 

Water is who we are

The Wisconsin 100
Welcome to The Wisconsin 100 Water Issue.

Wisconsin is fortunate to have two Great Lakes, the mighty Mississippi and some 15,000 lakes and 12,000 rivers and streams within our boundaries. Water has always been part of our identity and our economic DNA — playing a key role in the shipping, manufacturing and recreation economies of our state, past and present.

That water infrastructure has led to our emergence as a global water technology hub. This issue of The Wisconsin 100 features examples of how Milwaukee and the state have capitalized on our water smarts and heritage to lead innovation — and now the world is taking notice.

— The Wisconsin 100 Staff

 

State enters new research partnerships with Israel, Ireland

The Water Council
The Water Council, based in Milwaukee, signed two research agreements during Gov. Scott Walker’s trade mission to Israel in the fall of 2017.

Wisconsin is taking its water technology global, as Milwaukee-based The Water Council (TWC) and Israel signed agreements in 2017.

TWC and Israel’s Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research agreed to produce new technologies through water-related research. Additionally, TWC and Israeli water-technology startups will pilot and develop new applications for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and other Wisconsin water utilities.

In Ireland, TWC announced a Belfast branch, its goal to “nurture a pipeline of water tech companies with the potential to establish U.S operations.” Beverley Ferrara will lead the branch as international trade and foreign direct investment consultant.

– Grace Gregg

 

Video: Badger Meter CEO talks water tech in Milwaukee

Milwaukee native Rich Meeusen, Badger Meter president/CEO and co-founder of The Water Council, has seen both his company and hometown evolve in water technology.

“It took a lot of effort to get people to understand that we really are that good, and in many ways we already have this concentration of water companies – we already have what we need here,” Meeusen says of Milwaukee’s changing reputation as a global water technology leader.

“If you want to be in the water technology business, there’s no place in the world that’s better for you than Milwaukee.”

Watch the interview here.

– The Wisconsin 100 staff

 

Watch: Water technology at work

The Global Water Technology Park at Reed Street Yards is home to some of Milwaukee’s most prominent water technology businesses and organizations, including the Global Water Center, the world’s only state-of-the-art water business and research facility and The Water Council, a Milwaukee nonprofit with a global reach.

Sig Strautmanis, a partner at Fox Point’s General Capital and developer of the Reed Street Yards, took The Wisconsin 100 on a walking tour to explain how some of the site’s design features help deliver clean water to the Menomonee River, contributing to the area’s water-focused mission.

Watch here.

– The Wisconsin 100 staff


More: video

 

Milwaukee transforms environmental threats into innovations

Technology Lab
Engineers, entrepreneurs and educators across Milwaukee are addressing the importance of water technology inventions.

“Climate change poses real threats to our shared water resources,” said BaseTern inventor Erick Shambarger. “We can view these threats as opportunities to find local solutions that protect the environment while creating jobs.”

Shambarger took intersecting challenges – the foreclosure crisis and flooding due to climate change – and invented a pilot program converting basements slated for demolition into underground stormwater cisterns.

Other inventions from Milwaukee innovators focusing on water issues:

• Storm GUARDen, an innovative garden system created by Carrie Bristoll-Groll of Stormwater Solutions Engineering.

• A water contamination sensor, developed at the Global Water Center by Marcia Silva and Dave Rice.

– Grace Gregg

 

Water tech training opportunities run across Wisconsin

specialized academic programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's focus on water technology trickles down to specialized academic programs available around the state.

Water-related academic programs are flooding the state as a result of the heavy focus on water technology and water-centric companies in Wisconsin.

Sitting on two Great Lakes, Wisconsin borders the Mississippi River and contains 15,000 lakes of its own. So it should be no surprise that the state has capitalized on water. And with more opportunities for water-related careers in the future, Wisconsin’s variety of academic programs is essential.

There are currently 36 water-related programs available on 17 campuses, from a technical to a master’s degree level.

The Wisconsin 100’s infographic highlights 10 popular programs.

– Grace Gregg

 

Solidifying Milwaukee as a global water leader

Marquette University
Marquette University Law School's Water Law and Policy Initiative has helped boost Milwaukee's role as a worldwide leader in water policy and research.

What: Water Law and Policy Initiative

Where: Marquette University Law School

Why: In response to President Michael Lovell’s call for greater engagement by Marquette with matters involving water, the law school launched the Water Law and Policy Initiative in 2015.

Previously, the law school curriculum consisted of a handful of water law courses. Today, there are policy and research pursuits, internships and engagements with outside research entities.

Industry leaders have praised the initiative as another step in solidifying Milwaukee as a global leader in water research and policy by addressing ongoing and emerging legal issues posed by the water industry.

– Rebecca Konya

 

UW-Whitewater educates the future water workforce

Institute for Water Business
The Institute for Water Business at UW-Whitewater, dedicated to the future of the water industry, is the first program of its kind in the United States.

What: The Institute for Water Business

Where: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Why: Where do water technology companies go to find marketing, finance and business grads who understand the water industry? In Wisconsin, they turn to UW-Whitewater, which has immersed itself in educating the future water workforce.

To complement its extensive water business curriculum, the university created the Institute for Water Business in 2013. The first program of its kind in the United States, the Institute’s mission is to engage, educate and empower stakeholders to identify and successfully respond to regional, national and international water business issues, challenges and opportunities.

– Rebecca Konya

 

Helping protect freshwater resources

Northland College's Burke Center
In addition to its on-campus location, Northland College’s Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation has a second site at Forest Lodge, on Lake Namakagon. (Image courtesy of Northland College)

What: Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation

Where: Northland College

Why: Situated on the southern shore of Lake Superior, Northland College in Ashland is known for educating the next generation of environmental leaders.

In 2015, Northland won a $10 million endowment to create the Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation. The center, which has a location on campus and another at Forest Lodge, a historic retreat on Lake Namakagon, combines scientific research with communications and public policy. The long-term vision for the center is to shape policy and inspire action toward the protection and restoration of freshwater resources throughout the world.

– Rebecca Konya

 

Sewerage district director talks global water initiatives

It might be a dirty job, but work done by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is focused on making water clean again. In 2017, MMSD cleaned and returned 72 billion gallons of previously dirty water to Lake Michigan, cleaning 99.999998 percent of every drop of water coming through the regional sewer system.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Kevin Shafer, MMSD has become a force for good in global water initiatives by starting on the local level. Freshcoast 740 represents another initiative to make water sustainability an option for anyone.

Listen to Shafer on The Wisconsin 100 podcast.

– The Wisconsin 100 staff

 

How the Fox River shaped Wisconsin’s paper industry

Wisconsin paper production
Flowing north from Lake Winnebago to Lake Michigan, the Lower Fox River became the hub of paper production in Wisconsin during the 19th century.

In 1848, the first paper mill opened on the Lower Fox River in Appleton, launching the industry that put Wisconsin on the map. In 12 years, the state became the Midwest’s top paper producer.

Opening in 1865, the Neenah Paper Mill was the most profitable mill in the Fox Valley, eventually getting purchased by Kimberly-Clark in 1889. By the turn of the century, the paper industry was booming, with mills expanding across the Fox River Valley.

Although paper production has declined, the area remains home to 24 paper and pulp mills, producing over 5 million tons of paper annually.

– Grace Gregg

 

Bucks’ Brogdon backs clean water initiatives

Malcolm Brogdon announcing his partnership with the clean water-focused PureMadi and Waterboys organizations in a video for The Players' Tribune.

In college, fans knew Malcolm Brogdon as a polished guard from Virginia; a strong leader on and off the floor. With the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2017 Rookie of the Year is known as “The President” for many of the same reasons.

Brogdon’s announcement in The Players’ Tribune — his partnership with groups focused on bringing clean water to areas of need in Africa — reinforces that his vision expands beyond a basketball court.

Recovering from a quad injury, it’s a reminder of the qualities Milwaukee misses on the court. And, that Brogdon is continuing to provide them to the world at large.

– Griffin Gotta

 

Personal assistants aren’t just for the rich

housecleaning services
What do you need help with? Don’t just consider what’s typical. A housecleaning service is just going to clean your house, but a house assistant or house manager may also do your laundry.

You don’t need to be wealthy to hire a personal assistant. Just smart.

A personal assistant or house manager can help you eat healthier, improve your relationships or build a business. How’s that for return on investment?

Using a service like Care.com allows you to hire based on a job description you create, which may include meal prepping, errand running, housework and other tasks. Be specific with the description to get the right fit. Always call references and use the option to perform a background check. Stop spending time on tasks you don’t like and outsource like a boss.

– Marcey Rader, Work Well, Play More

 

Should employers allow mental health days?

workplace statistics
Most managers acknowledge the importance of time off, and more companies are now encouraging "mental health days" separate from vacation or sick time.

Should a “mental health day” count as a paid sick day? Last year, a viral tweet from a CEO showing support for taking mental health days put this topic in the spotlight.

Operating under high stress, which we can measure within an organization, limits employees from performing at their highest capacity, much like physical illnesses. Time off to manage stress or anxiety will improve employee productivity and morale and may reduce health care costs over time.

Managers should not only encourage their employees to take mental health days, but they should also model this behavior by taking their own days.

– Marty Petty, The MPETTY Group

 

Bonnet Carre Spillway opens

The Bonnet Carre Spillway opens to allow floodwater to enter Lake Pontchartrain. (Photo courtesy of WWL-TV)

The Bonnet Carre Spillway opened this month to alleviate flooding along the Mississippi River in New Orleans. This is the twelfth time the spillway has opened in its 80-year history.

The spillway structure is located more than 20 miles upriver from New Orleans, and it features “bays” that open, allowing floodwater from the river to spill into nearby Lake Pontchartrain.

This causes the Mississippi River’s water levels to decrease, removing potential flooding issues for New Orleans. However, it also allows freshwater from the river to invade the brackish lake waters, causing some changes for marine life in the lake.

– Alexandra Cranford, WWL-TV Meteorologist