Sustainability at Honua + Eco-Tips for Living!

At Honua Hawaiian Skincare, we set high standards for every aspect of our business. From ingredient sourcing practices and quality to packaging and working on recycling programs, we craft each product with a focus to tread as lightly as possible on the planet. It has always been our intention to give back to the earth more than we take, and we wanted to highlight how your purchases from Honua contributes to a healthier planet. We’ve also included a few tips on how you can adopt more eco-friendly practices and would love to hear your favorite ways to go green.

• We work with local farmers that grow and harvest sustainably with a minimal carbon footprint.
• We evaluate the abundance and sustainability of all ingredients before purchasing them or creating new products.
• All of our products are derived from natural sources that embrace cruelty-free practices.
• Everything we produce is handmade and comes in 100% compostable packaging as a way to fight against one-time plastic use.
• Our production is highly reliant on solar (infusions) and packing wind energy.
• Our glass bottles can be re-used for small vases and décor around the house. (We’re currently working on bottle recycling programs.)
• We support organizations that are helping to improve our land and coastlines in Hawaii including Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.

In addition to supporting a company that encourages clean energy and sustainability, you are also putting money into the hands of Hawaiian farmers, educators, and clean ocean and land advocates.

In honor of our recently passed Earth Day, here are 4 easy ways to become more eco-conscious and friendly. What are your favorite eco-friendly tips? Share them with us in the comments below.

1. Commit to reusable canvas bags:  Our partner Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii finds an average of just under 2,000 plastic bags, per year on Oahu. And that’s just on one island! Swapping out plastic bags for reusable bags is probably the easiest way to go eco-friendly. They are lightweight and great for toting groceries or used as a beach bag. Be prepared and keep a handful of them in your car for easy access.
   
2. Ditch Single Use Plastic: The world is currently producing nearly 300 million tons of plastic each year, a significant amount of which will end up in our oceans. Unfortunately, most of these plastic products are created for single-use and an estimated 50 per cent of plastic used once will get thrown away.  Invest in a to-go coffee mug, water bottle, and a set of reusable utensils and containers to help reduce this disposable culture.
3. Support Businesses With Ethical Practices: There are a number of ways to seek out places that value our environment and the people it sustains. We recommend researching the options in your community, and also when you travel! For example support restaurants that source their ingredients from local farms. Or buy art or decor for your home from a local artist. 
4. Learn the 3 R’s of Waste Hierarchy: The 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) waste hierarchy is the order of priority of actions to be taken to reduce the amount of waste generated. First step, reduce what you consume in the first place. Ask yourself if you really need those boots or that new jacket? Reuse could mean using items for different purpose instead of sending them to landfills. Or giving the item to someone who could use it. And lastly, to recycle something means that it will be transformed and shaped into a new item.

Talk Story by Leslie Carvitto