The Windward Zero Waste Hui was recognized by the State Senate today for their work in food waste recovery and food security. Ka‘ohao Public Charter School, Ka‘elepulu Elementary, and Kainalu Elementary are the three Windward O‘ahu schools that make up the Hui. The students from these schools work cooperatively for waste reduction, soil restoration, and applied environmental education. In 2017, the food waste recovery from the three schools combined was 63,400 pounds, which equated to 31 tons of food waste that was recycled and turned into compost by the students. The recycled compost is then used for the school garden, with excess compost sold to the community, and the proceeds supporting the Zero Waste Hui.

In recognition of their outstanding work, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected Kainalu Elementary the top award in the nationwide 2016 Food Recovery Challenge. Ka‘ohao Public Charter School also won the first place nationwide award in the 2016 Food Recovery Challenge in the category K-12 schools. The Zero Waste Hui is actively changing the mindset of the next generation to one where there is no waste, where everything can be reused, and growing your own food is fun.

Representing the Windward Zero Waste Hui today was Mindy Jaffe, founder and Hui coordinator, and Heather Marsman, site leader and parent volunteer.