l
Cata ogue
My friend walks out of his apartment and starts up his moped, its color reminiscent of the midnight sky, it snarls- roaring loudly as he hops on. His mission for the day? Class, then rock climbing, maybe some surfing.
The reason why he bought this moped is because it made it easier to get around on the little island he lives on. Cars already cost way too much, and parking is hard to come by.
So mopeding, as many others do, was his best choice. He doesn’t mind; it's fun to navigate the twists and turns of his route. To see the island and all of its beauty, without being trapped in a car for once. The wind plays with his deep brown hair, his nose notes the saltiness of the sea, and the lush green scenery is reflected back in his black sunglasses. This is the life.
Most share this similar routine, but what makes his different is that he lives in Hawaii. A place that draws in thousands of tourists each year, the white sandy beaches, and deep blue sea catching their eye.
Yet, despite Hawai’i being a popular tourist location, it is a place that my friend and many others live out their daily, often ordinary lives. This doesn’t make Hawai’i any less special, it just makes it more unique, in more ways that you would think.
For one, it shows in the grocery stores. As you walk down the aisle it's not hard to keep the environment in mind, meaning you don’t have to be as intentional with the products you buy because Hawai'i has a ban on single-use plastic bags, styrofoam, and plastic straws. They also have the Plastic Waste Reduction Act of 2021: “This promotes the use of alternative materials, enhances recycling efforts, and aims to reduce dependency on plastics. It also requires the Department of Health to implement educational outreach programs focused on waste reduction and recycling” (Hawai’i Department of Transportation).
This shows the responsibility to take care of the environment is not solely placed on the individual but is shared between the state and the individual. Yet you still won't want to forget that tote bag!
Still, this all makes environmental movements easier, especially when factors of class and money come into play. Like my friend, who is a ‘broke’ college student: with these systems in place, he can simply go to, say, Taco Bell and be given a cardboard box of tacos. Thus, without thinking, the requirement to actively make a choice to be environmentally conscious is erased.
However, without these systems in place, how do we continue to care for the environment? I think it's all a mindset, recognizing that the land we live on is equally alive as we are. And just like anything, we must tend to it.
This is a mindset that is also deeply woven into Hawaiian culture. This huge respect for the land is due to “The spirit of Aloha Aina [which] is a profound connection and respect for the land (aina) in Hawaiian culture… Aloha Aina.. literally translates to “love of the land.”
However, the meaning goes far deeper than simple affection. It encompasses a reciprocal relationship: the land provides for the people, and the people care for the land… [and] It’s more than just appreciating the scenery; it’s understanding that the land is a living entity, a provider, and an ancestor.
(Island Hopper Guides Emily Carter).”
Which means, physical harm will occur if you even so much as touch the turtles. As this simple act could lead to a ripple effect- the domestication of animals, reliance on humans, and an imbalance of their ecosystem . This is why it's vital we keep in mind that one single act-good or bad- can do so much.
Another mindset in Hawai’i is that when you surf, you have to ‘earn the surf’. After catching waves and playing in the ocean, my friend sets time after to pick up trash. This is a major cultural practice found in the Hawai’i surf community, and is considered a mandatory part of surfing.
I, for one, am inspired by this, as it really highlights having a shared care for the environment within one's own community. Outside of this, this act also shows how the beach exists as an entity; that it has existed for years, and us humans are simply experiencing it. We must take care of it and not litter it with trash, beer bottles, or broken beach toys.
Given all of this, how can people be intentional outside Hawai’i?
Without governmental systems in place to help support the environment, the answer is simple: individual action and mindfulness. Every little action in one’s own life means so much; therefore, it starts with asking the right questions: How much plastic are you using? Do you have to drive there or can you walk? If you forgot that tote bag, how can you reuse that plastic bag?
Support businesses that prioritize sustainability. If traveling, look for hotels that have implemented green practices such as water conservation, or have earned their LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: this certification helps ensure the building is aiding the environment).
Taking it a step further, when traveling, select activities that are committed to responsible tourism. This includes snorkeling tours that educate participants about reef conservation (and are careful about protecting those reefs), or hiking excursions led by local guides who share their knowledge of native plants and animals.
Refuse plastic straws, cups, and utensils whenever possible, consider packing reef-safe sunscreen to help protect coral reefs, and avoid businesses that engage in activities that harm the environment.
Instead of touristy locations, shop, dine, and purchase services from local vendors. By doing this you help to sustain the local economy, while also allowing yourself to step outside of the bite sized version of the area you travel to, gaining a more authentic view. Now instead of keychains or magnets, you have something more valuable- experience and memories of a place.
Because we are a guest in any place we go, from paradise locations like Hawai’i or even to your neighbors home, and it is crucial we leave it better than we found it.
Bibliography
https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-in-a-sometimes-visitor-unfriendly-world/