Sustainability has become a topic of conversation in America over the past decade. People are looking for ways in which they can take care of the planet, and we could not be more on board. Here in Hawaii, we call the concept of respecting the land mālama ʻāina. What better way to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 than by showing your aloha for the world to which billions of human beings call home.

Native Hawaiians have always considered sustainability best, and lived in ahupua’a to execute that approach. As director and founder of Hoʻokipa Network, Puanani Rogers best explains ahupuaʻa as “an ancient [Hawaiian] concept of resource use and management based on families living in a division of land that connects the mountains to the reefs and the sea.” While we don’t live by ahupuaʻa in this modern day, we still greatly benefit from the land. Mālama ʻāina means to nurture the land always so it may continuously sustain life for us now and in the future. Below are 3 ways to mālama ʻāina today!

1. REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE
   We can minimize our carbon footprint and care for the land by reducing the amount of waste we create. We suggest examining what you are using, and what you use it for. In other words— purchase with purpose. At all costs, try to create multi-uses for one item. Rather than buying a coffee maker and a cappuccino maker, purchase a coffee pot that gives you the option to do both. This eliminates both the amount of production as well as the amount of packing material. Instead of buying paper napkins, invest in reusable ones. Remove your name from paper mailing lists that disinterest you, or opt for a paper-free version. Avoid using “disposable” anything, because while we immediately rid such trash from our homes, it is still waste to the environment. Repurpose old mason jars to store loose items or pens. Donate old clothes to charity and check second-hand stores before purchasing new. We are believers in the recycling process, we support transforming old things into raw material to shape new items.
2. SUPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
   Locally owned businesses usually require less transportation for goods. These shops are typically set up in a town or city center near you as opposed to requiring major development. This generally results in less city congestion, less natural habitat loss and less pollution. Studies also show that local businesses help to strengthen the economy of that same community. All in all, shopping local leads to a healthy
   ‘āina, and healthy ‘āina results in happy people.
3. TEACH THE KEIKI
   If we can instill an ‘āina-based mindset into our keiki (children), that is to care for people and our planet, we can assure a happy and healthy future. Teach your children about recycling, teach them of the responsibilities we have as human beings, teach them about how our decisions affect nature. By encouraging mālama (care) towards land, ocean and air, we will strengthen the relationship between the earth and its inhabitants. It’s as simple as the Golden Rule itself— treat others the way you would want to be treated— with love and respect.

Native Hawaiians have known it all along— if we care for the land it will continuously provide. Reduce, reuse and recycle to keep your carbon footprint at a minimal. Support local business for community and economical longevity. Teach your children about the earthly responsibility we have as human beings. We hope you remember to mālama ʻāina today and everyday. We only have one planet earth, and it’s up to us to take care of it.