"We believe transparency about AI use is part of operating with integrity, especially on a platform built around environmental responsibility."
- Michigan Eco Travel editorial policy
How we use AI
Michigan Eco Travel used AI tools to build this site and uses them on an ongoing basis for research, editing, and content development. Field Notes are written by our founder from firsthand experience; AI may assist with light editing, but the reporting and writing originate from direct time in the field.
We don't use AI to fabricate reviews, generate fake testimonials, or replace firsthand experience. Partner evaluation is conducted by a human reviewer; AI assists with research and documentation review, but all designation decisions are made by our team.
Content drafting
Most content is written by humans. AI may assist with outlines, research synthesis, and editing passes on gear guides and reviews. Field Notes originate from firsthand experience in the field; AI may assist with light editing but does not write them.
Partner research
AI helps surface and summarize information about potential partners. Final vetting decisions are always made by our team against our published criteria.
Site development
AI was used to build this site, including design, code, and layout, and assists with ongoing maintenance.
Data analysis
AI helps us process and summarize publicly available data on gear materials, certifications, and sustainability claims.
The environmental cost of AI
We won't pretend AI is carbon-neutral. Large language models are energy-intensive: training and inference both consume significant electricity, and data centers require water for cooling. This matters on a platform that takes environmental impact seriously.
We use AI deliberately, not reflexively. We consolidate tasks, avoid redundant queries, and evaluate whether AI is the right tool for each job. This doesn't eliminate the footprint, but it reduces it.
We're committed to measuring and disclosing our AI-related energy use as reliable tools for doing so become available. Precise per-query emissions accounting is not yet practical for small operators. We're watching the space and will update our approach as it matures.
Our commitments
Disclose AI involvement
We tell you when and how AI was used in our content and operations, on this page and through our editorial policy.
Human review on everything
No AI-generated content publishes without human review. We fact-check claims, evaluate partner credentials, and correct errors promptly.
Use AI only where it helps
We evaluate AI use case by case. We don't generate content for its own sake or automate decisions that require human judgment.
Carbon offset purchasing
We are committed to purchasing verified carbon offsets for our estimated AI-related emissions through Gold Standard–certified projects, prioritizing Great Lakes basin restoration where available.
What we don't do
- Use AI to write fake reviews or fabricate firsthand experiences we haven't had.
- Let AI make final vetting decisions. All partner approvals and M.E.T. Verified designations are human judgments.
- Generate content at volume for SEO purposes without editorial review and genuine utility to readers.
- Obscure AI involvement or present AI-assisted work as purely original human writing without disclosure.
- Use AI tools whose providers have not made reasonable commitments to renewable energy transition for their infrastructure.
Our offset approach
We are committed to purchasing verified carbon offsets for our estimated AI-related emissions through Gold Standard–certified projects. Where verified supply is available, we prioritize projects with direct Great Lakes basin impact: wetland restoration, reforestation, and water quality initiatives in Michigan and the broader watershed.
We recognize that offsets are an imperfect tool and not a substitute for reducing emissions at the source. We use them as a supplement to operational efficiency, not a license to consume without constraint. Our offset purchases and project selections are disclosed annually.
Questions about our AI use policy, or if you believe an AI-assisted review produced an incorrect result in a specific listing? Email hello@michiganecotravel.com.