Wai Kai is committed to making responsible decisions to protect and reduce our impact on the environment and oceans by implementing sustainable actions for our future.
We require our clients and vendors to do the same.
Recognizing the amount of waste that is created by events, we are committed to making change and finding solutions to better the events we produce as well as providing resources for our clients.
Having a more sustainable approach can make events more rewarding and worthwhile for both the planner and attendee.
Plastic-Free
Wai Kai is a single-use, plastic-free site and requires all events hosted on its grounds to follow suit.
Plastic-free means no styrofoam or other single-use plastics (plastics labeled #1-6 are single-use), which includes bags, bottles, packaging, sample cups/spoons, decorations, etc.
Sustainable Events Standards
Due to the nature of our location being in close proximity to the lagoon, the ocean and surrounding environment, we require all clients and vendors adhere to our Sustainable Events Standards which include, but are not limited to:
- No single-use plastics or other disposable plastic products are permitted. This includes, but is not limited to: plastic bags, packaging, plastic bottled beverages, sample cups/spoons, straws, and polystyrene foam (a.k.a. Styrofoam).
- Use of linen napkins is suggested.
- Beverages in aluminum bottles or glass bottles are permitted. Proper sorting must be used for recycling.
- Allow attendees to bring their own reusable cup, utensil, or plate to your event.
- Source foods locally. Ask vendors to use local ingredients for food preparation.
- No balloons, streamers, confetti, etc.
- Ensure all outsourced vendors comply with these standards.
- If disposable products are used, serveware must be 100% BPI certified compostable (no Styrofoam, wax lined or plastic plates, cups, utensils, etc).
- If paper napkins are used, they must be either 100% BPI certified compostable, or made with at least 80% post-consumer recycled material and non-bleached, and stored in containers to not blow away.
- Advise attendees to bring reusable, non-plastic water bottles to refill water at various water refill stations.
- Only paper or other compostable straws are allowed. Vendors must offer straws/utensils only upon request.
- Reduce/eliminate unnecessary waste or one-time decorations.
- Try to use reusable products and packaging rather than disposable products and packaging.
Resources
STEPS TO MAKE YOUR EVENT PLASTIC-FREE:
Make a list of all single-use items at your event and which products you are able to eliminate, and find alternative products that can be used to replace them.
Ensure all vendors use 100% BPI certified compostable/biodegradable serveware for food distribution and eliminate plastic bottled beverages.
Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii (SCH) offers Waste Reduction & Diversion services for large-scale events. With knowledgeable staff, educational resources, and aesthetically pleasing waste categorization receptacles, SCH sorts and diverts waste into compost, recycling & trash with a final report on waste data and diversion rate provided. Reach out to them directly to inquire about this service at: rachael@sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org.
Use large water dispensers that attendees can use to refill their reusable water bottles, or use the existing water refill stations across Wai Kai’s site. Remind attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles.
Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation offers free water refill stations for large events hosting more than 300+ attendees. Contact them directly at: plasticfree@kokuahawaiifoundation.org
Commitment
Wai Kai is committed implementing sustainable practices across all of its operations. Learn More:
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