With lush tropical mountains and warm white-sand beaches, there is a lot to love about life in Hawaii. If you have fallen in love with the Valley Isle on your most recent Maui vacation and have been wondering what it’s like living in Hawaii, we would like you to keep in mind that there can be a price to paradise. As an island chain in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a high dependency on imported goods, the Hawaii community naturally values sustainability and clean, alternative energy. There are initiatives and programs currently in place that are working to take advantage of the rich potential that the Hawaiian islands have for renewable energy sources.
Wings Hawaii is an eco-conscious brand that works continuously to encourage the sustainability efforts right here on Maui. With a mindful philosophy, we work to handcraft jewelry and garments that are sourced from sustainable and recycled materials. Each product that you see in either our store, online or on local real-life mermaids has been created with a careful hand using organic fabrics like cotton and bamboo as well as reclaimed metals. Through handmade creations like our vintage clothing, Wings Hawaii leaves a simple reminder that “things” do not have to be disposable and upcycling can have a great impact on keeping Hawaii green.
So what can you do to promote sustainability in Hawaii? The list is almost endless but we have a few simple ones you can do that can make a big impact.
Unplug
From blending a tropical smoothie to liking a selfie, it is pretty hard to imagine going about your day without some sort of technology. Our household electronics continue to draw power even when they are turned off and that has a trickle-down effect on the overall health of our beloved home. So if you are leaving for a vacation or just for a quick Maui adventure, it is important to unplug your tech.
Clean Up
We might be beating an old drum here but it is worth repeating, leave a place cleaner than you found it. There are tons of beautiful locations to hike to or even just chill at with an icy cold beer. But if you packed it in, then we encourage you to pack it out. Nothing ruins a natural destination more than a human footprint, so really if you see any trash (even if it isn’t your own) do mother nature a favor and take it with you.
And even if you are kicking it back in Hawaii, everything that goes down the drain eventually ends up in the ocean. Using non-toxic cleaning ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice can help keep both your home and the ocean clean!
Think Twice
Before you decide to get that coffee to-go, we encourage you to think twice about that plastic straw and lid. Most of our day to day waste is here to stay and with the number of alternative options, you can easily reduce your contribution to the Hawaii landfills. For those who like their cool refreshing drinks, especially with the warm Hawaiian sun, stainless steel straws offer the perfect sip that is eco-friendly. And for our sunset lovers, wrap up your picnic in Bee Akamai beeswax wraps and skip the plastic baggies altogether.
When you are more conscious of the three big “R”s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), living sustainably comes a little easier. So if you are hoping for Hawaii to be just as beautiful as you left it, take care of her while you are here.
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