Malama o Manoa Presents...

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY:
"LIVE GREEN" ECO-FAIR

October 20 is 'Make a Difference Day,' and Malama o Manoa has decided to make a difference by hosting an event that addresses one of the critical issues of our time - global climate change. In the spirit of thinking globally and acting locally, and with the generous support of Hawaiian Electric Company, Malama will be hosting "Live Green and Save," an exciting Eco-Fair to be held at Manoa Valley District Park, on Saturday, October 20, 9 am to 3 pm.

The fair will focus on the ways we can build, garden, shop, and even drive green. These practices will not only save money, but also make the world a better place to live. The fair will provide lots of things to see and do:

Booths of all kinds: companies will display their 'building green' products, including residential wind electricity systems, tankless water heaters, low heat-gain windows, photovoltaic cells, and many other devices. There will be ideas for gardening green, such as composting, permeable paving systems for homes and low-maintenance landscaping and plants. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and students from Noelani and Manoa Elementary Schools will also participate, with informational and educational booths.

Especially for Kids: the Hawaiian Electric Company Home Energy Challenge. Starting in October, this program is designed to teach students and their families how to lower their home energy use. HECO will provide specific energy-saving tips, materials and tools to schools and families, who will then monitor their home energy use for a six-month period with the goal of reducing their electrical consumption. Twenty-five elementary schools will compete; the three schools with the highest percentage of energy conserved will win monetary prizes of $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000.

Home Energy Challenge: our very own Noelani and Manoa Elementary Schools are participating in the Home Energy Challenge, and Malama o Manoa will support their effort. An Eco-Hero T-shirt will be given to all students whose families enroll in the HECO Challenge; and those who don't enroll can earn their T-shirts by passing an Eco-Hero quiz prepared by Malama. This will be a great way to get both kids and their parents to learn about the importance of energy conservation.

Tour of Eco-Home in Manoa: vans will transport visitors from Manoa Valley Park to a lovely residence in upper Manoa, where docents will point out the home's eco-friendly features. Because of space limitations, tickets must be purchased ($10) at the Park, and each visitor will be assigned a specific time to take the tour. Get in line early - these tickets will go fast!

'Living Green' Symposium: Speakers will address issues of global climate change and how individuals can make a difference. Topics will include global warming, the tax advantages of installing solar hot water and and photovoltaic systems, and an audio-visual presentation describing the Manoa Eco-Home that will be open for tours. Speakers will include Dr. Stephen Meder, Director of the Center for Smart Building and Community Design at the UH School of Architecture; Scott Wilson, AIA, who designed the Eco-Home; and others to be announced.

The Manoa Valley Eco-Bag: This beautiful eco-bag, in bright blues and greens, has a design combining a recycling symbol and an image of the Valley. Made of  woven polypropylene, this sturdy, jumbo-sized bag can hold lots of groceries and be used over and over again. At only $5 per bag, this is a great buy - get some for yourself and some for family and friends.

Entertainment and Music: Harry B. of Territorial Days on KHHN will be entertaining and educating participants with descriptions of the many innovative eco-friendly products on the market. Hana o Mele, from Kaimuki High School, with band direcor Daryl Loo, will provide musical interludes.

Food and drink: Tasty, eco-friendly lunches and snacks will be available for purchase.