Earth Day was Sunday, and sure enough, we had islandwide beach cleanups while businesses pitched their earth-friendly products and stores held “Earth Day sales.”
But today is the beginning of a new opportunity to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Here’s my list of simple changes to make every day Earth Day:
>> Bring your own bag: Whether state or city laws end up imposing a fee or banning plastic carryout bags in Honolulu, you can make a difference by bringing your own bags to the store when you shop. There’s a broad range of choices, from lightweight bags that fold into a pouch and fit into your purse (ChicoBags, EnviroSax) to large, sturdy, insulated ones (available at Longs, Foodland and Whole Foods) and even designer brands (Juicy Couture Eco Bags).
The simplest thing to do is say “no, thanks” to a bag if you don’t need it.
>> Recycle plastics: So many items we use are single-use plastics — cups, straws, bags and takeout containers — that we use only for a few minutes and then toss into the trash. First and foremost, try to reduce your use of plastics, but if you do end up with some of these items, then recycle them.
Honolulu’s curbside recycling program accepts No. 1 and No. 2 plastics. Check your shampoo and shower gel bottles, the plastic containers for strawberries and cocktail tomatoes, for instance (including the ones you pick up from Costco), aspirin bottles and plastic coffee cups for the No. 1 and 2 imprint. These can all be recycled by tossing them into your blue bin for pickup.
>> Ride a bike: If there are places you need to go that can be reached on two wheels, then try it instead of hopping into your car. You’ll save gas and get some exercise. Besides, it’s fun.
The Blue Planet Foundation is teaming up with McCully Bicycle to recognize the contribution that bicycle commuters make to reducing Hawaii’s dependence on oil. If you ride a bike, you might get tagged with a handmade “mahalo card” and receive a Pro LED safety light till the end of the month.
Support efforts to make Honolulu more bicycle friendly. Visit blueplanetfoundation.org/bike.
>> Bring your own bottle (or cup): Instead of buying bottled water, bring a reusable, stainless-steel container you can refill with water from the tap or water cooler.
If you’re a coffee drinker, bring your own reusable coffee cup or mug to work or the coffee shop. Starbucks offers a 10-cent discount for bringing your own, and many businesses don’t mind if you bring your own cup for fountain drinks, smoothies or other beverages. Just ask.
>> Choose local, organic: Choosing locally grown food means less reliance on imports, which require fuel to be shipped here. Several kinds of tomatoes are grown here, and they taste great and are much fresher than imports.
The nonprofit Kanu Hawaii issues an “Eat Local Challenge” every fall, but you can challenge yourself throughout the year. Buy local produce at the supermarket and farmers markets, which have expanded greatly over the past few years. And you can’t get more local than your own backyard, so consider growing your own herbs and vegetables.
Buying organic means fewer pesticides were used to grow those strawberries, for instance, which is better for your health and the soil. Organic often costs more, so if affordability is an issue, you can focus on the “dirty dozen.” Visit the Environmental Working Group’s website at www.ewg.org/foodnews for a full list.
And let your friends and family know what you’re doing, because once one person starts, others might follow.
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Nina Wu writes about environmental issues. Reach her at 529-4892 or nwu@staradvertiser.com.
