Over the past six months, I have said it over and over again: “Together, we can!” I truly believe that there is no challenge we can’t overcome if we work together with open hearts and hands willing to get the
Over the past six months, I have said it over and over again: “Together, we can!” I truly believe that there is no challenge we can’t overcome if we work together with open hearts and hands willing to get the job done.
One of the areas of biggest challenge for us is a word that is on everyone’s lips these days: sustainability. To be truly sustainable, we must learn how to balance the needs of our economy, our environment and our communities in order to meet our current needs, without compromising the needs of future generations.
Can we do this? I believe we can. And I’m asking each of Kaua‘i’s residents to play a part in stabilizing our economy and protecting the future of our beautiful island. Every month in this column, thanks to a partnership with Apollo Kaua‘i and The Garden Island newspaper, I will be addressing ways in which we can live, work and play more sustainably.
This month, I want to begin by saying “Mahalo” to our community for staying upbeat and patient during these tough times. Because of Kaua’i’s spirit, people from all over the world can come here to forget their own troubles. This is a gift we offer the world. We also offer one of the most beautiful locations on earth. With this opportunity, we also have a chance to show those who visit how to properly respect the land and ocean.
There is a direct link between a healthy economy and a thriving local population, and much of what we need to do starts right in our own homes and businesses. Take energy costs, for example. High energy consumption is not only bad for our environment; it’s bad for our pocketbooks as well. By changing our lifestyles we can conserve energy, protect our environment, and reduce our monthly expenses all at the same time.
Each month, with the assistance of Apollo Kaua‘i — a local organization dedicated to researching energy solutions — I’ll be sharing with you some practical tips on how we can begin to move the needle on sustainability. These are things we all can do, and indeed, must do, if we are going to protect the quality of our lifestyle now and into the future:
1.) It’s time to recycle! Set up bins at your home and at work — for paper, plastic, cardboard, newspaper, cans and glass. Empty these bins at the nearest recycle locations. The more we recycle now, the sooner we can be prepared for the added convenience of curbside pickup.
2.) Use clotheslines instead of dryers. This saves money and saves energy, and it’s easy to do.
3.) Ride a bike and ride the bus. Use your car less. This will save the environment, save you money and take off some extra pounds.
I urge you to make a commitment to start these three actions right away.
Please share this message with your ‘ohana, friends and work associates. Make it your message. Together, we will make a difference.
Mahalo nui loa.
• Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. is mayor of Kaua‘i County. This is his first monthly column on sustainability written exclusively for The Garden Island.
