Landfill issue diverted by no-waste learning lab

Photo: Kona Smith, Devin Alpin, Chazy Mukini, Waileia Kainoa, Roxy Casteneda, Ahlyna Flores, Rojelin Capueta, Jessica Velasco, and Elliott

By Ahlyna Flores (Junior, Ka‘ū High School)

A student-led initiative called Mālama ‘Āina is working to inspire environmental stewardship and drastically reduce waste in the Ka‘ū community. The program, which is a collaborative effort between Recycle Hawai‘i and the Ka‘ū Global Learning Lab, is focused on tackling the growing problem of landfill capacity on the island.

The youth advocates’ main goal is to divert waste from the island’s only landfill, which is projected to reach capacity in about 15 years. Members of Recycle Hawai‘i explain that the program is about honoring the traditions of Ka‘ū's kūpuna, who practiced a no-waste lifestyle.

“Our program is community-driven and youth-led,” said Aunty Ulu, emphasizing the group’s mission to educate and create behavioral change. They achieve this by holding collection events, running zero-waste campaigns, and even diverting food waste from the school cafeteria.

According to a member, Kona, a high school senior, the most rewarding experience is witnessing the growth and change in perspective within the community and the student participants.

Despite challenges like maintaining student engagement and public awareness, the advocates are committed to proving that zero-waste practices are possible across the island. The program challenges the Ka‘ū community to take on its responsibility as stewards of the ‘āina and embrace Zero Waste as the solution.

Ahlyna Flores is a junior in Ka’ū High & Pāhala Elementary School. I’m an outgoing person, I love to eat and explore things. I love the color purple and value my education a lot. Back in my homeland, I used to dance and compete in different schools, now I play soccer.