SEARCH FOR GREEN BUSINESSES ON THE BIG ISLAND

We feel strongly that the Big Island is the leader among the Hawaiian Islands in embracing, utilizing, and creating green ways of living. In fact, it happens somewhat naturally on this island out of necessity more than an intentional change in lifestyle (for example approx. 85% of the island lives off of rainwater catchment water tanks because there is not proper city water and this solution makes the most sense as far as maintenance and price).

The Big Island is also a leader in embracing and testing new types of alternative energy and construction. If you take the time to observe and talk to locals living here, you will discover some truly creative and unique ideas for living with daily respect to mother earth. In fact, a lot of the ideas behind Lova Lava Land were discovered or improved upon by simply "talking story" with neighbors and locals.

The Big Island also produces more agriculture than the other islands and we'd venture to say there is more organic farming here too. Enjoy the local farmer's markets! Accordingly, our residents have led the fight to get GMO coffee and taro banned from the island (the first type of legislation to happen anywhere in Hawaii). Our "grass fed" beef is a novelty in today's fast food American culture - definitely pay the extra to try it if you have the chance while visiting!

Some tips on greening your Big Island vacation:

Obviously, stay at a locally-owned green accommodation like Lova Lava Land!!!

Buy food & groceries at local Farmer's Markets and fruit stands. You'll likely save a lot of money by doing this too versus buying at the big name chain grocery stores. If you eat at restaurants, try to find the wonderful locally owned small businesses rather than chain restaurants.

The free local public bus can be an adventurous and green travel option for visitors. Unfortunately, the schedule is tailored towards local work schedules rather than sightseeing so it might not make sense for tourists without a lot of extra time and flexibility. The only other options for getting around are hitchhiking and rental car.

Reduce, reuse, recycle! Avoid packaged items, bring a tupperware container for leftovers or buying in bulk, and bring a reusable water container versus buying bottled water.

Educate yourself about green efforts by taking a coffee farm tour, visiting a botanical garden, or touring the Energy Center.

Learn about the effect of invasive species on the Big Island and how to help and reduce these problems in the future.

More for Big Island Green Travel:
Ecotourism - Green Tours and Eco-Friendly Tour Operators on Big Island