In 1989, a group of young, idealistic newcomers to Hawaii, frustrated about the lack of recycling services in the islands, set out to change things by literally taking matters into their own hands. ADVERTISING In 1989, a group of young,
In 1989, a group of young, idealistic newcomers to Hawaii, frustrated about the lack of recycling services in the islands, set out to change things by literally taking matters into their own hands.
They used a number of tactics, one of which was to divert plastic, paper and tin cans going into county trash roll-offs to the back of their parked cars instead.
Nearly a quarter century later, the educational nonprofit they formed in 1992 has become Recycle Hawaii, a recycling organization with 19 full-time employees providing a range of recycling and related educational services, including the operation of six re-use centers across Hawaii Island.
While the organization largely has been funded by contracts with the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management, the recent loss of one of those contracts, worth $100,000, brought its zero-waste outreach and education programs to a screeching halt, compelling them to launch a fundraising campaign.
Recycle Hawaii seeks to raise $60,000, with all contributions going directly toward continuing their outreach education programs. The funds will be allocated as follows:
• $10,000 for zero-waste school presentations to students and teachers K-12.
• $10,000 for its Art &Science of Recycling project, where K-12 students apply science, technology, engineering and math concepts to create art and innovations from reusable, recyclable materials.
• $25,000 to continue “Composting is Recycling, Too!” education workshops offered throughout Hawaii Island.
• $15,000 for additional outreach efforts, such as the Recycling InfoLines, a 24/7 answering service for Hawaii Island where callers can get answers to their recycling questions and the “Hawai’i Island Recycling Guide,” a complete listing of local recycling services, updated regularly, widely distributed and available on the Recycle Hawaii website.
Extra funds raised would be used to continue programs into the next fiscal year. All funds raised also can serve as matching funds to garner grants.
Recycle Hawaii considers no donation too small, and all amounts are greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made through a crowd-funding campaign called “Zero Waste &Recycle Hawaii” live on Indiegogo.com until April 25; by mail with checks payable to Recycle Hawaii, P.O. Box 4847, Hilo, HI 96720; or online at www.recyclehawaii.org/memberdonate.html
For more information about Recycle Hawaii’s recycling and zero waste programs or fundraising campaign, visit www.recyclehawaii.org or email info@recyclehawaii.org.
