The issue of climate change has raised awareness about the importance of energy conservation

A newly created "green team" is the response to the concern by one hotel in Duluth.

Meteorologist Shannon Murphy tells us more about this mission in "Your Green Life."

[ Phone rings ]

"We wish you were here at the Inn on Lake Superior this is Wendy."

The Inn has been welcoming guests for over ten years but in the last year they've developed a new green approach.

The most recent accomplishment is the elimination of Styrofoam products during breakfast. This move produced significant results.

"Real Plates, Real silverware, Real Bowls... which reduced our garbage by probably 75 to 80 percent."

Other green actions included installing Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs throughout the hotel, buying local products, installing sink aerators in each of the rooms, which is expected to drop water consumption by 13 thousand gallons per year, and using recycled paper.

"All the small things are already in place and there's always something new that's going to come up."

So what's the next big green step for this hotel?

"In Room Recycling! So every single room will have a recycling bin, and they will be able to do their part too."

The impetus for this green initiative started with the hotel staff. Recycling bins are already located throughout the main office along with new Energy Star rated equipment.

"It's kind of nice here. It's recycling stuff instead of reusing new all the time."

Green is what the guests have asked for, and it's the right thing to do.

In Duluth, meteorologist Shannon Murphy, the Northland's NewsCenter.

Future plans for the Inn On Lake Superior also include food composting, hybrid shuttles, and purchasing environmentally friendly fabric, bamboo linens.