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We are excited to announce that Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island is offering three free workshops for middle and high school aged students this summer as part of our newly launched Aloha ʻĀina program. Designed to engage schools in transitioning to reusable foodware, this program also provides valuable educational opportunities for students and teachers to deepen their understanding of aloha ʻāina (love of land). Educators and family members of student participants are also welcome to attend!

Workshop #1: Maintaining Ahupuaʻa Mentality in Modern Day Celebrations

Day 1 - Wednesday, April 30th from 5 to 6:30pm
Join us for a virtual workshop where we will learn about traditional systems of land division & stewardship. Here we will discuss current systems of solid waste in Hawaiʻi, and strategize to reduce waste through the revitalization of traditional practices of “food/party prep (imu/pāʻina)” and gift-giving in modern day celebrations.

Day 2 - Saturday, May 3rd from 10am to 2pm
Join us in a hands-on “grow-your-own” workshop where we will learn to clear, propagate, and plant taro and ti-leaves. Attendees will learn about the cultural significance of these plants through moʻolelo (stories) like Nā Hana a ka Lāʻī and ʻO Hāloa ka Hawaiʻi mua loa. Each family will take home a starter plant and an Ahupuaʻa Poster & Book Set. This workshop is hosted in partnership with the Keaukaha-Panaʻewa Farmer’s Association.

Workshop #2: Graduation Preparation: Collective Source Reduction for Youth & Families

May 20th and 21st from 4pm to 7pm (Drop-In)
Join us in an after-school hands-on workshop to prepare for graduation week. This workshop will allow for many hands to come together in harvesting ti-leaves to make lei for and with the graduates of 2025. Day 1 will be hosted in partnership with the Keaukaha-Panaʻewa Farmer’s Association, and will consist of an activity on “hoʻokanaka” and source-reduction, followed by hands-on harvesting and preparing ti-leaves. Day 2 will focus on the assembly of lei, as well as the crafting of free, low-waste gifts. Graduates are encouraged to attend along with friends and family to reduce the burden of buying plastic lei & disposable trinkets.

Workshop #3: Canning with Aunty Keala

Finally, we are working out the details for a Canning and Food Preservation workshop, tentatively scheduled for June 28th and 29th. We will be partnering with Aunty Keala Kahuanui to explore source reduction through food preservation. Participants will learn about food systems on cultural voyages (waʻa) and gain hands-on experience in preserving food. Each participant will be able to take home a canned item.

Participation is limited to 40 participants per workshop. If you are a middle school or high school aged student, family member, or educator interested in participating, please sign-up now (link). The same person may register for all three workshops.

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