How you can help

Most people in Hawaii, along with the Hawaiian Electric companies, are concerned about Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuel and the economic, security and environmental vulnerability it brings. We are pursuing environmentally-friendly ways to reduce fossil fuel dependence, increase energy security and reduce our global warming impact. It will take all of us working together.

What can you do to help? Some things are free or take little effort but some need a bigger investment of money or time.

Learn more

The Hawaii Public Library System has an excellent collection of energy-related books for readers of all ages, as does any bookstore. Many national magazines -- including Yes!; Ode; Mother Earth News and Co-op America Quarterly -- and local magazines -- including Hawaii Home & Remodeling and Homescapes -- have green editions or tips in every issue. Many websites offer renewable tips. Good places to start are the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Division and the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s Renewable Energy learning site also offers a lot.

Kids may want to start here.

Hawaiian Electric Company offers a Speakers Bureau that will come to your club, organization, church or other gathering to talk about Hawaii’s Energy Future, including information on renewable energy efforts and on energy savings. Email hef@heco.com or call 543-7780 for information.

Presentations are also available for schools. Parents and teachers may be interested in “What’s Up With Renewable Energy Sources, a fun workbook for young people age 12 to 14 (7th to 9th grade). Call 543-7534 for information.

Use energy wisely

Without spending money (or very little), you can do many simple, everyday things to reduce the demand for electricity. This will benefit you and your family by saving money; it will help the environment; and it will reduce or delay the need to build more electric generation.

To learn more about using energy wisely.

Take public action

Learn about more ways you can make a difference at Hawaii's Energy Future.

To get involved in a local organization promoting sustainable activities in energy and many other areas, check out Kanu Hawaii.

A strong national organization is another excellent place to check, as is the Natural Resources Defense Council one of the most influential and respected environmental organizations in the world.

Learn about returning the earth’s greenhouse gas output to less than 350 parts per million (it is now 390 ppm and rising).

Learn more about the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force and sustainability efforts at the University of Hawaii.

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