MEDIA RELEASE

Hear the experts explain what Zero Waste is and how people on Hawai’i Island are reducing their waste today. The Zero Waste Conference 2008 Highlights will be shown on Na Leo ‘O Hawai’i’s cable TV channel 54 on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, 5/5/2009, 6:00pm
Friday, 5/8/2009, 3:00pm
Monday, 5/11/2009, 8:00pm
Thursday, 5/14/2009, 6:00pm
Tuesday, 5/19/2009, 5:00pm
Saturday, 5/23/2009, 12:00pm

In September 2008, the Hawai’i Island Economic Development Board organized the Zero Waste Conference 2008 at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. The three-day conference was videotaped and edited into a one hour program.

Did you know that much of our trash is really a resource and shouldn’t be thrown away? The 3R’s, reduce, reuse, recycle, are the foundation of Zero Waste and can easily be implemented today by most residents and businesses.

The program begins with Gary Liss, the world’s foremost authority on Zero Waste. He explains the hidden costs of waste and how businesses and nations around the world are adopting Zero Waste practices. Then, Gunter Pauli, who started the Zero Waste movement, presents a workshop on Systems Design. He shows how businesses and communities can use natural systems to reduce waste, save energy and make more money.

Did you know you can turn your food scraps into compost, which will provide nutrients in your garden and save money on fertilizer? Rick Flammer, a.k.a. Mr. Compost, let’s you know why keeping your food scraps and all food out of the landfill can help your garden and reduce methane gas generation, a serious global warming gas.

The program also includes Tim Mauldin, the Manager of the ARC of Hilo’s Laulima Reuse Store, who explains how construction and demolition waste can be reused, saving money and reducing the need for landfills.

The County’s Department of Environmental Management representatives give an overview of solid waste facilities on Hawai’i Island and how they have made recycling easier. The program concludes with the presentation of a draft plan for achieving Zero Waste on Hawaii Island.

For more information visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org or contact Linda Peters at lpeters@co.hawaii.hi.us.gov. The video will be available on the website soon!