When my husband (yikes! first time saying that!!!) and I were on our honeymoon in Maui, we did a lot of site seeing and walking around the island. I couldn’t help but notice the various ways that the island was recycling and and making a effort in cutting down on their waste.
When shopping, there were notices stating that as of next month, plastic bags would no longer be allowed to be given out. Customers would be responsible for bringing in their own bags or reusable bags for their purchases. In preparation for the passing of this new law, people – tourists in particular – were encouraged to deny the plastic bags. In the various tourist info that could be collected at the airports, information on where to purchase reusable bags was prominent. When purchasing breakable items, the stores would cut down and use older boxes and tissues to wrap our items instead of brand new packing materials.
While walking around parks, parking lots, and other areas, the curbed “islands” that direct people and cars, were filled with broken, recycled glass instead of plants – thus saving not only the glass from the garbage but also water! The shards of glass were rounded or smoothed so they didn’t pose a danger. It was a cool effect. The glass gave the glittery illusion of the ocean.
In the condo we stayed at, there were signs everywhere reminding us to turn off the air conditioner and fans when not home to enjoy the benefits. There were timers put on all the lights, air conditioner and fans to make them automatically turn off after a certain amount of time (max being two hours) no matter if we were home or not. The condo was filled with energy efficient appliances and energy saving devices to help cut down on water and electricity. The condo had two bedrooms but since we were only two people, the second bedroom and bathroom were locked off so that there wasn’t excess for the cleaning service to clean after we had left.
All these ways of conserving, recycling or reducing were little, but the greater impact could prove to be imeasureable to such a highly trafficked tourist state. It is truely amazing that as touristy as the Hawaiian Islands are, how CLEAN their beaches and most of their land remain! I was amazed.
Dude is that Magnum PI’s house? Did you see Higgins?
My roommate is going to Maui in 3 weeks, I will have to fill her in on the plastic shopping bag rule. I think its great that they are doing so much conservation there. Hawaii is such a beautiful place and it should stay that way.
I want to go to Hawaii again and I am glad to know that it will be as beautiful as I remember and not filled with litter and things like that. I am amazed at how they are looking out for the environment and I wish that all states would do that.
I wish everyone would do these things without having to constantly be reminded. It really should be common sense, and part of our everyday lives. I love that Hawaii is taking a stand and hopefully people will carry those habits home with them!
I love Hawaii. It’s amazing.