What is Earth Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?
Earth Day was created and dedicated to spreading awareness and preserving Earth’s incredible biodiversity and natural treasures.
In 1969, there was a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA. According to the Earth Day Network, after seeing the damage to our oceans and land, the U.S. Senator and Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson decided to create a National Holiday to focus on the ongoing environmental issues and spread awareness to help preserve our lands. Earth Day has been celebrated in over 100 countries and has a specific focus each year, bringing everyone together to help clean up Earth.
The Importance of Earth Day on the Hawaiian Islands
Earth Day is a very important day to the native Hawaiians and residents in Hawaii; it is a special day to help spread awareness of the ongoing pollution issue, which has been causing harm to our oceans, lands, and marine life and affecting our overall health. For several decades, the Native Hawaiians have fought to preserve the lands in Hawaii. The Islands provided the residents with food and shelter, and the Hawaiians believed that if you preserve the land, the land would be given back to you.
Environmental Issues in Hawaii – Cause and Effect
The Hawaiian culture has always revolved around the ocean and precious land, with a time-old goal of preserving the native Hawaiian animals on the Islands. The ancient Hawaiians lived off the land & sea long before tourists visited the islands.
They would use nets to catch fish or harvest fruits and veggies from the land. Wild boars can also be found deep in the lush tropical forests of Hawaii and are still a favorite local dish. Living off of the land and sea was more of a spiritual connection between the natives and their land. The islanders would pray to the gods to help protect them and give them strength before they ventured out to sea in search of their next meal.
Those visiting the Hawaiian Islands may not notice any real threats, as you are rightfully enjoying the island’s natural beauty or aiming to have a fun time. However, there are many environmental threats to the Hawaiian Islands.
Today, pollution has increased at an alarming rate, becoming a major threat to our ocean by adding toxic waste and causing harm to marine life and their habitat. According to statewide reports, an average of 15-20 tons of trash builds up on the Hawaiian beaches each year. Many residents and nature conservation programs have come together to help save many of the endangered species and help clean the polluted areas.
Tip: Opt to fit as many of your group in one car as possible, or take Uber to your vacation rental or hotel and help reduce the number of cars on the road.
The number one highest concern to our ocean is plastic pollution. Marine animals, such as the endangered green sea turtle, involuntarily consume the plastic waste found in the ocean. They do this thinking, mistaking the trash for food, which causes them to suffocate or choke. Other animals, such as birds and humpback whales, also consume plastic, thinking it is food, making it impossible for them to digest and causing the plastic to build up in their stomach.
Tip: Travel with reusable water bottles and bring cloth grocery bags to for shopping.
Another rising concern in Hawaii is the drastic decrease in shoreline near the beaches. Many scientists agree that global warming is causing a rapid increase in sea level, causing the shoreline to erode. Storm waves also play a big part in the decreasing shoreline. This issue has become a major concern for most coastal residents, hotels, and endangered marine life. As the coastline erodes, many plants and animals also lose their habitats. The two endangered species you will often see in Hawaii, are the green sea turtle and the monk seal. Both species use the shore to either lay eggs or give birth and nurse on the beach.
Other unique concerns for Hawaii are the threats caused by alien species, both plant and animal. For example, Honeycreepers were once a growing species of more than 50, but now there are only 18 remaining.
Conservation methods help protect the birds and other endangered forest birds, providing them with a threat-free habitat.
Tip: Decide which issues are most important to you and find a way you can help the cause!
What You Can Do to Help
Although our Earth is in trouble, there are many different ways you can help; it’s not too late! You can reduce plastic pollution by using reusable bags and water bottles. You can invest in solar panels (or research if your state aids). You can carpool to reduce pollution in the air and choose paperless to reduce tree consumption. There are many small changes you can make that don’t have a big effect on your daily life.
If you are looking to make a difference and want to lend a helping hand while visiting the islands, there are volunteer opportunities such as beach cleanups and free events that offer many activities to help spread awareness for future generations.
Earth Day Events in the Hawaiian Islands
Beach Cleanups are an easy way to connect with the community and lend a helping hand to clean up Hawaii's precious beaches. Check with the following organizations to see what is planned on your island and get involved!
Oahu Environmental Organizations
Maui Environmental Organizations
Kauai Environmental Organizations
- Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges (FKWR)
- Surfrider Foundation - Kauai Chapter
- We Care Kauai
- Kauai Ocean Awareness
Big Island Environmental Organizations
See you at the beach!