Save Kauai brings together current information about Kauai and web-based tools that allow you to take action. If we want to affect the future of Kauai in a pono way we must organize and begin implementing solutions, not just fighting the problems.
Aloha 'Aina, Imua Kakou!
Our Breakout Group consisted of a couple of new faces and some loyal participants. Zero Waste Kauai is the non-profit organization on the island dedicated specifically to the issue of Waste & Recycling, therefore we love the opportunity to recruit new members at these quarterly meetings.
Next ZWK meeting: Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 at Pho Kauai Restaurant in Lihue (next to the bowling alley) at 5:00pm
ZWK announcements: In partnership with Surfrider Association we have printed canvas bags for distribution. Bumper stickers are also on the way, to assist with our goal to ban plastic bags from Kauai.
There are state bills in the house and senate regarding the banning of Styrofoam. To show your support please visit http://stopstyrofoamhawaii.org.
The most important thing to stop the incinerator is to elect Ben Sullivan and Ken Stokes to the KIUC board. Ballot is coming at the end of the month with the electricity bill. GET OUT THE VOTE!
School recycling program at Kalaheo is going great (thank you Traci Sullivan!) Looking to begin a program at Kapaa Elementary next.
At Eco-Roundtable our group discussed the importance of educating residents about how/where to recycle. With neighborhoods and/or ahupua`a in mind, meetings should be held regularly (either monthly or quarterly) hosted as an informational event. We would like to supply information regarding where to recycle within the geographical area and including other harder to dispose of items.
We need people to gather and report recycling tips and information for each neighborhood area. Following the assimilation of information, we will need volunteers to host the educational events. We have a contact at KKCR that would help advertise the events.
Two recycling/waste issues were discussed, the lack of recycling for tin cans (soup cans). As well as disposal of e-waste. As a new tip, someone mentioned that the repair programs at KCC accept old computers to work on them.
Another issue is the lack of recycling availability in the Princeville area. The Princeville Association has even prevented restaurants in the area from having large recycling areas. We need volunteers to pick up compost and recycling from that area.
We also need volunteers, or the development of a new business, to collect compost waste (biodegradables) from green restaurants for delivery to farmers and composting recyclers.
Chairperson of Zero Waste Kauai is Gordon LaBedz
ZWK website: http://zerowastekauai.org