The Aloha Foundation strives to live with energy consciousness and resource conservation in all aspects of our lives, from carpooling, to composting, to recycling, to consumer choices. Our goal is to develop a sustainable means of living which will be an example to all and will inspire others to take this philosophy back to their homes and communities. Our mission guides decision-making throughout our programs and campuses.

Foundation Objectives & Major Areas of Stewardship

Reduce energy consumption and encourage efficiency.

• Hulbert Outdoor Center, Hive and Lanakila dining halls fitted with overhead Compact Fluorescent bulbs.
• On-demand hot water heaters installed and in use in Ohana Camp cabins.
• Camp kitchen appliances such as coffee makers and hot water heaters plugged into timers.
• Electric car used for local trips from May to November.
• Pedal Power bikes program encourages camps' staff to use bicycles when possible for short trips instead of cars.

Reduce overall waste production.

• Kitchens at every camp compost food scraps, paper towels and paper napkins. In 2008 diverted 20 tons of compostable material from solid waste system.
• Whenever possible, biodegradable paper products used in place of plastic disposables, including plates, bowls and napkins (Greenware).
• All programs and Foundation private residences recycle as much as possible including cardboard, steel, paper, glass and plastics.
• Foundation communications primarily electronic to reduce use of paper. Printers programmed for two-sided printing when possible.
  
  

Promote sustainable consumerism - reduce and reuse philosophy.

• All Foundation publications printed on recyled paper approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, an organization promoting the responsible management of the world's forests.
  
• Buildings & Grounds recycles camp vehicles anti-freeze; it is drained, filtered and fit for re-use.
  
• Buildings & Grounds takes oil from camp vehicles to local Lakeside Auto where the oil can be used for heating purposes.
  
• Instead of using plastic water bottles, camp programs distribute re-usable waterbottles for participants use.  Major reduction in plastic bottle purchase.

Purchase food and other products produced locally whenever possible. A few of the local businesses from whom Aloha purchases:

• Crossroad Farm, Post Mills, VT
• Colatina Bakery, Bradford, VT
• Lodge Farm eggs, Fairlee, VT
• Cabot Dairy products, Cabot, VT
• Longwind Farm tomatoes, East Thetford, VT
• Hanover Food Co-op, Hanover, NH 

Our use of local businesses qualifies The Aloha Foundation to be a member of the Vermont Fresh Network for the third year in a row.

Preserve our architectural and natural historic integrity.

• Camp renovation and new building projects strive to recreate original vernacular of period camp buildings.
• Whenever possible, local building materials used including wood and stone.

Model programs and lead by example.

• Foundation as a whole promotes a healthy and low-impact lifestyle.
• Locavore lunches planned periodically as a way to encourage local purchasing and reduction of carbon footprint.
• Camp gardens planted as an educational model of where our food comes from.

 For more information about green initiatives at The Aloha Foundation, please email Laura Gillespie.