New book highlights eco-friendly Michigan travel destinations

Sally Barber’s Michigan Eco-Traveler promotes ecologically conscious recreation options throughout the state of Michigan.

By Greg Monahan
Great Lakes Echo
A new book from longtime journalist Sally Barber takes an environmentally conscious look at exploring outdoor attractions around the Great Lakes state. A new book from longtime journalist Sally Barber takes an environmentally conscious look at exploring outdoor attractions around the Great Lakes state.
The Michigan Eco-Traveler is for a “new and growing breed of travelers” who travel with the intention of minimizing the ecological footprint they leave behind. The book has nine chapters, with sections that include features on sustainable kayaking, ski slopes and the most eco-friendly lodging options in the state.
“I wanted to show travelers that they can make a positive impact while they’re enjoying the outdoors,” said Barber, a lifelong Michigan resident. “I wanted to show travelers that they can make a positive impact while they’re enjoying the outdoors,” said Barber, a lifelong Michigan resident.
This is Barber’s third Michigan-centric book, following her 2011 title Myths and Mysteries of Michigan and 1998’s The Insiders’ Guide to Michigan’s Traverse Bay Region. The inspiration for the book came from a current lack of resources about eco-friendly traveling, she said. This is Barber’s third Michigan-centric book, following her 2011 title Myths and Mysteries of Michigan and 1998’s The Insiders’ Guide to Michigan’s Traverse Bay Region. The inspiration for the book came from a current lack of resources about eco-friendly traveling, she said.
“When it comes to sustainability, nobody was focusing on the travelers and the tourists themselves,” she said. “I saw a need there and tried to fill it.” “When it comes to sustainability, nobody was focusing on the travelers and the tourists themselves,” she said. “I saw a need there and tried to fill it.”
Barber said the goal of the book is to highlight the state’s environmentally friendly outdoor activities while making people aware of the ecological impact of their decisions at their favorite vacation spots. Barber said the goal of the book is to highlight the state’s environmentally friendly outdoor activities while making people aware of the ecological impact of their decisions at their favorite vacation spots.
“I want to explain the impacts—positive and negative–of recreation,” she said. “If you like to golf, you can find a golf course that’s doing things right. It’s really that simple.” “I want to explain the impacts—positive and negative–of recreation,” she said. “If you like to golf, you can find a golf course that’s doing things right. It’s really that simple.”
The Michigan Eco-Traveler is available online and in Michigan bookstores. The Michigan Eco-Traveler is available online and in Michigan bookstores.