Happy Earth Day!

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Happy earth day everyone! By now you know there are many ways that you can contribute to making this world a better, greener place to live. Humans have done a lot of damage to Mother Earth but we can also correct some of that damage. It’s not a matter of being a “treehugger” or an eco-extremist…we all need to make a change and if you haven’t jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagone, there’s no better day to begin that commitment than today!

Click here to read past posts about how you can go green and show your aloha to this beautiful planet we call home.

Volunteering on Vacation on Maui

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Interested in doing some volunteer work while on vacation or if you live on Maui? See this event coming up this Saturday with the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Want to see archaeological sites of old Hawaii? Come to Honokowai Valley every third Saturday from 9 am to about 3 pm. Ed Lindsey will host a group of volunteers to restore Honokowai Valley. Volunteers will uproot invasive plant species in Honokowai Valley, and may also plant indigenous plants. They will get a chance to work in sometimes wet and sunny conditions. Sun protection, long pants and closed boots are required. Bring water and snacks. Participants get to experience a private valley full of archaeological sites. Join the growing worldwide trend of “voluntourism” by participating in the Volunteering on Vacation program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation with support from the County of Maui Office of Economic Development and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. In exchange for your efforts, you’ll receive a distinctive “Volunteering on Vacation - Maui” t-shirt and the satisfaction of joining in efforts to protect Maui’s unique environment. Transportation is provided. Participants can meet in front of the North Sugar Cane Train Station, located in Kaanapali on the mountain side of Puukoli Road. For more information about Volunteering on Vacation, contact Pacific Whale Foundation’s Reservations Department at (808) 249-8811. From the U.S. Mainland, please call 1-800-WHALE-11. Please call to make a reservation.

Even if you don’t want to do something formal like this, you can always keep small trash bags in your car and pick up trash at a local beach or park. Or if you see trash and a trash can in close proximity, pick it up and throw it away. Help keep Hawaii beautiful!

No excuses Maui! Start washing out those food cans

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The County of Maui Recycling Section, Solid Waste Division has announced it will begin accepting *clean*, washed out food cans in their appropriate recycling bins. These cans are usually made of steel, tin, aluminum and bi-metal and do not have any HI-5 value. Foods typically contained in these cans are fruits, veggies, meat, coffee, tomato and tomato sauces. Every county recycling center will have a clearly marked bin where you can recycle the cans and aluminum. Be sure to take off the lids on them as well. Most importantly if the cans are not washed, they won’t be accepted as they are hand recycled. It only takes a minute to wash out the can immediately after you are done using it so the remnants don’t dry up inside and make it less likely you’ll take care of it later.

For more information, go to the Maui County recycling website: www.mauicounty.gov/recycle

Green Tip of the Day

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Christmas Tree Recycling Facts

In a national survey, 93% of consumers who used a real Christmas tree recycled theirs in some type of community program.

Christmas trees are recycled for five main types of large-scale uses for post-harvest trees. These are:

chipping (chippings are used for various things from mulch to hiking trails)
beachfront erosion prevention
lake and river shoreline stabilization
fish habitat
river delta sedimentation management

Today around 98% of real Christmas trees are grown on farms throughout all 50 states and Canada. Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource, and real trees are planted to be harvested just as corn and/or pumpkins are cultivated for a harvest.

For each real Christmas tree harvested, up to three new seedlings are planted in its place, depending on farm size and current field rotation. Young trees in their rapid growth years have a high rate of photosynthesis and thus produce more oxygen than older trees.

This year, over 60 million new seedlings were planted by Christmas tree farmers all over North America.

Above tips courtesy of Earth911.org

PS-If you have a fake tree that’s a little more ragged than you care to see it, DON’T throw it in the trash! Donate it! Clean off any tinsel and box it up and donate it to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. There are plenty of those less fortunate who don’t have a tree of any kind. Wouldn’t you feel better knowing you’re helping the environment and allowing your tree to continue to give more joy in coming years for another family? Happy 2008!

Green Tip of the Day

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Mele Kalikimaka and Merry Christmas!

Don’t forget to have a bag that you put all of your paper recyclables in over the holidays. All of the wrapping paper, gift boxes and plastic packaging adds a LOT to the landfills this time of year! Do your part to continue your recycling efforts and spread the aloha to our aina! (land)

Green Tip of the Day

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Buy Reusable and Long Lasting Items

Products that can be reused are cheaper in the long run than those you throw away and buy over and over again. Goods that are designed to last a long time are also cheaper in the long run than those that wear out quickly. A family can save $1,000 each year buy buying reusable and long lasting products.

Use rechargeable batteries in toys, flashlights, radios. You can save $200 a year by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposables in one cd player used two hours a day.
Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. You’ll save $600 per child by using a laundry diaper service instead of disposable diapers.
Use a real camera instead of disposable ones. If you take 24 pictures each month you will save $144 each year.
Many families spend over $260 each year on paper towels and napkins. Switch to cloth napkins, sponges, and cloth towels or wipes.
Use washable plates, cups, and silverware for parties and picnics instead of disposable products.
Use an electric razor or hand razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors.
Buy high quality/long life tires. They cost less per mile traveled and reduce the problem of disposing of used tires.
Use a washable commuter mug for your morning coffee and eliminate a Styrofoam or plastic cup every day.
Bring bags to the market, either cloth ones or your old paper and plastic ones. Many markets will credit your bill for using your own bags. When buying only a few items, don’t take a bag.
Clean and service your appliances, computers, tools, and cars so that they will enjoy even longer lives. And, before you replace them, check to see if they are repairable. Consider sharing equipment that is used infrequently such as hedge clippers, pruners, fruit pickers, or chain saws.

Tips courtesy of Earth911.org

Green Tip of the Day

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Buy Products in Containers That You Know You Will Be Able to Recycle

It is important to familiarize yourself with your what types of containers and items can be recycled in your local recycling program. Once you know what you can recycle, look for products that come in the containers that you know you will be able to recycle when the products are all used up. Examples are products in commonly recycled containers made from aluminum, steel, #1 and #2 plastic, and glass. Check the Earth 911 Reuse and Recycling Services listings to see what types of containers/packaging you should look for in your community.

Tips courtesy of Earth911.org

Green Tip of the Day

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If you are unable to use all your paint for a particular project or if you choose to keep a small amount of paint for touch ups or smaller projects, you will need to store the leftover paint so it remains usable. Leftover paint can last for years, however, the key to this is making sure the paint can is well sealed and stored in an appropriate location.

Cover the opening of the paint can with plastic wrap before closing the lid. This will help create an additional seal when the can is closed.
Use a mallet instead of a hammer to close a paint can, creating a good seal. Hammers can dent and bend the rim of the paint can, causing a poor seal. Mallets are gentler. By placing a small towel over the paint can lid and gently using a mallet to tap the lid closed, you will avoid damaging the rim.
Store the paint can upside down to create a tight seal around the lid. Generally this prevents air from entering the paint can so the paint will not dry out. Some local programs discourage this practice because if the paint goes bad, you may end up with a large chunk of paint on the lid making it difficult to open. Check with your local recycling or collection program for recommendations.
Store paint away from extreme heat and cold. Extremes in temperature will spoil paint and make it unusable. Keep away from freezing and hot temperatures in garages and sheds. Hot temperatures near furnaces and direct sunlight can also affect the quality of leftover paint. Store in a cool, dry area.
Write on the lid of each paint can the date opened, the color, brand and the room it is for. This will help you locate paint needed for touch ups and future purchases, as well as identifying paint that is no longer needed and can be donated and reused, or properly disposed of due to its age.
Leave the original label on the paint can. By leaving the original label on the paint can, you will alleviate any questions as to the type of paint in the can should you try to donate the paint for reuse (through an exchange program) or for disposal at a local collection event.
Do not pour anything else in the paint. No matter how you use or dispose of the leftover paint, do not contaminate it by pouring anything else into the can. If contaminated, the paint will be difficult to donate or dispose of properly.
Store paint in a safe location. Keep leftover paint in a location out of reach of children and pets.

Tips courtesy Earth911.org

Green Tip of the Day

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Those energy saving CFL light bulbs you’re being urged to switch to? Did you know they contain a small amount of mercury? Here’s what to do when they burn out, courtesy of Energystar.com

What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?

EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs. EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and disposal options. Consumers can contact their local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org to identify local recycling options.

If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the bulb in two plastic bags and put it into the outside trash, or other protected outside location, for the next normal trash collection. CFLs should not be disposed of in an incinerator.

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.

Green Tip of the Day

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Re-thinking how your child’s meal gets packed can reduce trash going to landfills and has some unexpected benefits.

Simple ways to pack a trash-free lunch:

Send food in re-usable lunchboxes instead of paper bags (Also, remember if using a soft lunchbox that contains “PVC”, consider testing the bag for lead).
Instead of plastic wrap, foil or baggies, pack food in re-usable plastic containers.
Consider buying foods in bulk or in larger boxes and packing a portion in re-usable plastic containers.
Send drinks in a shatterproof thermos, a re-usable drink container (some are available with ice cores built into the bottle) or send in bottled water and recycle the bottle when it returns home.
Try cloth napkins, or re-usable silverware that can be washed at home.

In addition to feeling good about reducing trash, a few added benefits are:

Parents save money. Individually wrapped goodies and drinks are premium-priced, often up to 50 percent higher.
Parents see leftovers. “Hmm, the healthy sandwich has one bite taken, and every cookie disappeared.” And, many kids snack on leftovers after school.
Healthier food choices. Your food and drink options are limitless when you pack in re-usable containers and don’t rely on pre-packaged items, which tend to be processed foods.

Tips courtesy Earth911.org

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