ISLExpo to explore challenges to island sustainability and pathways to a sustainable future.The Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM) will host the first Maui Island Sustainable Living Expo (ISLExpo) at the UH-Maui Community College campus on Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17. The event will explore some of the most pressing challenges to island sustainability and pathways to securing a sustainable future for Maui.
The Maui ISLExpo will feature a variety of presentations and panel discussions from Maui and statewide leaders in sustainability, as well as from prominent sustainability experts from organizations including Natural Capitalism Solutions in Boulder, Colo., and Marin Organics in Marin County, Calif.
The presentations and panel discussions will focus on four core questions, with which SLIM has outlined as some of the most important issues affecting the future of sustainability on Maui.
The questions are:
- Island Energy Security - How can we, as an island community, reduce our dependency on foreign, imported oil to meet our energy needs and instead provide clean, affordable energy to our island residents?
- Island Food Security - How can we, as a part of a remote archipelago of islands, reduce our dependency on imported foods and revive local, sustainable agricultural production?
- Island-based Local Economies - How can we promote the development of sustainable, local island-based economies and entrepreneurship?
- Sustainable Living Education - What are the most promising current and emerging models, best practices and lessons learned in sustainable living education being used from Kindergarten- to college-level educational institutions, which could be applied within our island’s context?
The event will also offer an exposition of local nonprofit organizations and businesses engaged in sustainability-related activities. This exposition will be a unique opportunity for event attendees to learn about the variety of community-based and business initiatives working to further sustainability on Maui. The exhibiting area will be open to the public free of charge.
SLIM encourages Maui residents to learn from and interact with community members offering innovative products, programs, foods and technologies to assist them in incorporating sustainability into their daily lives. Sustainability and business professionals will also have an opportunity to interact with innovative sustainability movers and shakers.
The event is free and open to all, featuring live music, fresh and local food concessions, and time to view the exhibits and meet the diverse crowd of sustainability-minded participants.
Visit the Sustainable Living Institute of Maui Website at www.sustainablemaui.org to find additional information, an event program, registration fees and a registration form. Those who would like to contribute to the event as an exhibiter, sponsor or volunteer should email events@sustainablemaui.org or call 984-3379.
The event is open to all. Discounts are available for early registration, teachers and students.