In an effort to clean up the environment down at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, General Manager Wade Lord started a recycling initiative on June 1. The Center coordinated an effort with Garden Isle Disposal to add special recycling bins
In an effort to clean up the environment down at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, General Manager Wade Lord started a recycling initiative on June 1.
The Center coordinated an effort with Garden Isle Disposal to add special recycling bins and a compactor for all merchants.
The goal was to recycle cardboard in addition to glass, plastic and aluminum.
“We continually look at ways to refine our mall operations and implement changes that improve things here,” said Mary Daubert, the Marketing Director at the Center. “We wanted to take a look at trash so we talked with Garden Isle Disposal (about the bins and compactor).
“We feel good about it. Merchants have been very receptive to it and it has helped keep things cleaner here.”
Kukui Grove’s effort represents a trend among several businesses to clean up the clutter throughout the island.
“Businesses of all sizes and sectors have expressed interest in reducing their waste, and there has been a significant increase in recycling activity during the last fiscal year,” said Allison Fraley, Recycling Coordinator with the County Recycling Office which has been in existence on the island for a little over three years.
According to Fraley, the County Recycling Office receives calls from businesses on a regular basis. The office then provides technical support and advice, and is available to conduct waste assessments.
Officials over at the State Building began an initiative to recycle white paper back in April of 2003.
So far the results have been good.
“It is going really well,” said Laurie Yoshida, the Governor’s Liaison. “People here just wanted to start it up. We knew that there was a lot of white paper circulating in this building. We think it is good for the environment and it just avoids unnecessary clutter.”
The State building also receives help from a Department of Education (DOE) recycling project which began in October of 2003.
On Monday or Tuesday of each week, Kauai High School Special Education students pick up white paper and cardboard from the State Building while Kapa’a Special Education students visit the location on Thursday to help with the recycling efforts.
County Public Relations Officer Cyndi Mei Ozaki believes that the Kaua’i Resource Center has been a key factor in stepping up recycling efforts. Since it opened in April of 2002, the Center has seen more than 1,900 tons of recyclables diverted through its facility.
“The Kaua’i Resource Center has been pivotal in increasing recycling rates because it is the only location on the island that offers a recycling drop point for commercial materials,” said Ozaki. “This opportunity has allowed small businesses to self-haul materials for recycling that they ordinarily would have dumped. The commercial drop point has also created new recycling hauling businesses that now have a place to transport their materials.”
According to Steve Kaui, the Sales and Marketing Coordinator of Garden Isle Disposal, many companies can help preserve the life of the Kaua’i Landfill located in Kekaha by recycling.
Recycle Kauai owner Mark Hummel agreed with Kaui’s view and added that companies can save money by recycling.
“For many people, it costs less to recycle,” said Hummel whose company has worked with Keoki’s Paradise, the Hanalei and Ching Young Shopping Centers as well as Otsuka’s to recycle. “If they can keep stuff out of their rubbish containers and recycle instead, they can save money.
“The word has been getting out there.”
Business Editor Barry Graham may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net
