3.8 "Other Emerging Efforts"

The Transition movement has an important role that we all need to participate in.  In Hilo, some transition efforts are already happening.  Small things such as using recycled bags to shop, switching out the light bulbs to energy efficient ones, traveling less/carpooling and buying locally are all efforts.  There's even signs up at Foodland so that you are aware which items are local promoting the purchase of the item.  Again it's about education.  Being able to recycle not only HI 5, but recycling all different materials are big steps that we are already participating in.  After taking this class and being aware about more efforts being done in order to sustain our planet, it makes me notice a lot more efforts and it makes me more aware of what I am doing to help out.  By my actions and knowledge, I tell others around me and also speak about it at my job too. Books/Bank Statements/Newspapers are all accessible now online which saves paper and trees.  There are incentives such as the Gas Guzzling program where money is being offered so that you can buy a cheaper gas efficient car.  Ideas of bike programs in Puna are being talked about, collaborations and eco-friendly festivals are being incorporated in our town and even talks about eco housing beginning are all a part of our transitioning into helping out our island Hawaii.  There is even a program that we are talking to currently and wanting to collaborate with because of their efforts. Their efforts are geared to creating jobs for the youth to have sustainability jobs; so that they can remain here on the island instead of shipping them off to the mainland.  We need to educate our youth because they are our future leaders.  We all need to pull together and educate one another.  The transition movement can only get bigger if we try and want it enough.  We need to start somewhere.