Mission
Using resources wisely and making the world a better place is an essential part of what it means to be a Girl Scout; these are key parts of the Girl Scout Law. Today’s Girl Scouts are implementing plans of action to address environmental and social issues such as climate change, climate justice, and environmental stewardship.
Girl Scouts of Manitou Council’s sustainability initiatives are built on these core values. We act on our responsibility to care for our own forests and bodies of water, the wildlife who live within them, to reduce the council’s environmental footprint and to educate and inspire Girl Scout members.
COMMITMENTS
Water Savvy- Inside and Outside
We will evaluate the water well system at Camp Manitou for effectiveness and environmental impact and make plans based on the evaluation. We will continue switching to highly efficient showerheads and faucets.
Be Tree Cool and Tech Hot
We will install programmable thermostats to automate our HVAC or A/C system at the Gemini buildings at Camp Evelyn, the only Manitou Council site without them. We will also trim trees around the Cedars Troop House at Camp Manitou to allow for more efficient heating and cooling of the building.
Let There Be (natural) Light
We will seek funding to upgrade all older fluorescent T12, T8 and T5 lamps to LED alternatives. Absent funding, we will continue the transition to LED overtime. We also will use natural light throughout 75% of the day instead of overhead lights.
It takes a Council
We will hold a council-wide challenge with all Girl Scouts to use fewer single-use items. We will educate employees and the teen advisory board on sustainability efforts related to office, camps, and general life practices.
Commitment to the Bodies of Water Entrusted to Us.
We will continue partnering with Badgerland Construction to repurpose clean ground water they unearth to fill Serenity Lake. We will continue partnering with the DNR and the Crystal Lake Association to eradicate invasive species at Crystal Lake.
Better Paper and the Places to Put It
We will assure that trash bins and liners and office paper products are made from 100% bio-based or 50-100% recycled materials. This will require sourcing.
We will reduce junk mail by removing our name from national direct marketing databases.
Master Choices in Maintenance
Environmental impact will be a prominent deciding factor in 2024 as we replace the Girl Scout Center roof and parking lot, the Cedars Lodge deck, and the furnace in the Pine Troop House.
More Powerful - Less Energy
We will reduce vampire loads by unplugging non-essential electrical appliances when not in use. We will use smart power strips throughout the Girl Scout Center in areas of high plug loads.
A Goat's All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
We will be eliminating invasive species at Camp Manitou using goats while continuing our long-standing eradication efforts at Camp Evelyn. Goats prefer the invasive buckthorn leaves over most everything else, and not the native low-stature jack-in-the-pulpit and lady fern, which can then make a strong comeback. This makes goat browsing a really good tool and reduces the need for herbicide spraying. Additionally, we will spread native forest grass seed on the grounds before they arrive, and then the goats work the seed into the ground with their hooves as they graze.
Once and Done is Done!
We will eliminate all single-use paper, styrofoam or plastic cups, plates, and utensils in our kitchen areas and use reusable mugs, dishes, and silverware instead. This will take a considerable commitment for dining in the units at Camp Evelyn