Waste Management - Keeping Hawaii Clean

Waste Management of Hawaii Encourages Kamaaina to "Think Green" this Summer

Kapolei, Hawaii, June 3, 2008 – Hawaii is green and beautiful all year round, but as many homeowners know, it’s not easy being green when it comes to landscaping. Every year, Americans use about 70 million pounds of pesticides on their lawns, trees and shrubs, which is enough pesticide to fill more than 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

This summer, Waste Management of Hawaii reminds kamaaina that it’s possible to “think green” and have a nice green lawn at the same time. “Think green” with the following tips:

- Try xeriscaping by planting low water use plants, reducing turf grass and creating water-efficient garden designs. Xeriscaping will also help save on water bills, along with being great for the environment.

- Use native plants in your landscaping, which are usually more resistant to pests and diseases and are adapted to Hawaii’s unique environment. These plants tend to require less maintenance than exotic plants as well.

- Trade in your gas guzzling lawn mower for an earth friendly push reel mower. Newer models are much easier to push around than you think and you can get a quick workout while you tend to your lawn.

- Use rain barrels to help irrigate your lawn and also save water during the hot summer months. In addition, using rainwater helps to reduce storm water runoff, not to mention dollars.

- Start a compost pile to replenish the nutrients in your soil. In addition, you will be helping preserve landfill space by removing your organic waste from your opala. Compost also helps to insulate your soil and retain moisture longer than usual.

- Grow organically and use all natural fertilizers or pesticides. You will help reduce harmful runoff and have a safer environment for your pets and ohana. Why shop at the grocery store, when you can grow your own food.

As part of our green landscaping efforts, last year we completed a $100,000 project at Waimanalo Gulch Landfill that included planting 30 monkey pod and Norfolk Pine trees, hydroseeding and installing permanent irrigation. The non-invasive trees were strategically planted on the top of the ash toe berm for added stability and to shield visibility of the landfill from those driving along Farrington Highway. The hydroseeding was done meticulously to blend the berm in with the surrounding landscape. The permanent irrigation, which uses minimal amounts of water, was installed to ensure the trees and grass will thrive for years to come.

Waste Management of Hawaii operates Waimanalo Gulch, West Hawaii and Kekaha Landfills as an integral part of each county’s solid waste management infrastructure. The facilities handle municipal solid waste, which is heavily regulated, monitored and controlled by local, state and federal government agencies. In addition to its community contributions and significant volunteer efforts, Waste Management of Hawaii provides a benefit to the local economy of more than $2.9 million annually. For more information of how we “think green,” visit www.keepinghawaiiclean.com.

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