2019-11-27 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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• Zero waste is a parallel concept gaining traction around the world. It focuses more on the reduce and reuse components, with recycling as the ultimate goal after reduction. • Many people on the Big Island are interested in zero waste lifestyles, and there is a Facebook group that acts as a support network, as it is not an easy way to live. • They started having in-person meetings in January, and they had a great turnout. There is now a Kona chapter, and a Waimea chapter is coming soon. • Their Facebook members have tripled in the last couple of months because of the recent recycling restrictions. • Their meetings average 20-35 people, and they have a wide range of speakers and activities. • They have done a number of education and outreach events to show people what can and cannot be recycled, because people are confused. This is why the mixed bin system failed. They also talk to vendors at farmers’ markets about how to reduce waste and distribute things differently. • Changing the way things are done can reduce waste. • They are developing partnerships, including with Recycle Hawaiʻi, the county, and the Sierra Club. They are encouraging their members to be involved and engaged in public policy. • Their goal for the coming year is to have more zero waste events and use them as a platform for education. They are also ramping up to write letters and make recommendations for businesses, and they are hoping to get a website and monthly newsletter started. • Zero waste has limitations. There are hurdles with the Department of Health and certain things that are not legal to do. Infrastructure and systems are needed that can deal with health concerns yet reduce waste. • They are here today to introduce themselves to the EMC and see how they can work together moving forward. They can help get the word out about the EMC through Facebook and other social media, and they can also help with research and grant writing. They are here to help. • The EMC can also help them in their mission to reduce waste, and a starting point is to review the county’s zero waste plan, which is old and needs updating. • She would hope the EMC adopts a zero waste stance and has continued engagement with her group. • Many people have questions about the status of the upcoming compost facility and the logistics of how compostable waste will be collected and gotten to the facility. The commissioners thanked Ms. Navarro for her presentation and what her group is doing. Chair Bennett asked if Commissioner Cardwell would be the EMC liaison with Zero Waste Big Island, and she said yes. 7