Oahu’s Only Phone Book and Newspaper Recycling Plant

November 5, 2008

Island Shell LLC, an Aiea-based environmental manufacturing firm, recently completed installation of a $750,000 recycling mill.  The mill is designed to process phone books, newspaper, and cardboard into environmentally sound products sold throughout the state.  Bernie Boltz, owner, says, "Our plant is able to process up to 10 tons of waste paper per day".

At present the company produces two product lines: Green Lava Hydro-mulch and two brands of oil change Boxes.  Hydro-mulch, made from 95% recycled paper, helps seed large areas inexpensively; it is also used for erosion and dust control. Oil change boxes, sold in most automotive stores state-wide, promote responsible waste oil disposal.

In addition Boltz states, "In a couple months our product line will also include InCide Pest Control Cellulose Insulation."  This product is made from 80% recycled paper designed to keep homes cool, quiet, and pest-free.  Boltz also reports that Island Shell is actively working on expanding the product line to include a variety of environmentally-friendly pet products. 

Island Shell Environmental Manufacturing is protecting Hawaii’s environment by using resources already in Hawaii,  by producing goods that have a positive impact on the environment, and by reducing the need for export of recyclable materials .  Says Boltz, "This plant is a great step in the right direction for Hawaii". He emphasized both residents and local corporations need to have an active interest in reducing waste to preserve the character and resources of our island home.

For more information about the company or to find out more about phone book / newspaper recycling, email Bernie at bernie@islandshell.com

UH to recycle 1.5M pounds of electronics

October 29, 2008

The University of Hawaii collected 1.5 million pounds of eWaste last week.

The university said 75 shipping containers filled with broken and obsolete electronic equipment would be recycled or properly disposed of, instead of ending up in Hawaii landfills.

The eWaste Disposal Days program collected items from public and private schools and universities; city, county, state and federal government agencies; small to medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.

Containers collected by island were:

  • Oahu, 65.25 containers;
  • Big Island, 6.25;
  • Maui, 3; and
  • Kauai, 0.5.

Hawai’i Green Business Program Expands to Include Office and Retail Recognition

August 13, 2008

HONOLULU–The Hawai‘i Green Business Program, co-sponsored by the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), the State Department of Health (DOH), Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i and local government entities such as the City and County of Honolulu’s Board of Water Supply and Recycling Offices is expanding its program to include Green Offices and Retail businesses.

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Kapolei firm signs $298M deal with Chinese company

August 2, 2008

The contract will help finance its planned polysilicon plant

Hoku Scientific Inc. took a major step yesterday toward financing its planned polysilicon plant, potentially reducing the amount it needs by half.

The Kapolei-based alternative-energy company has signed a contract worth up to $298 million to supply polysilicon, a key material in making solar panels, to Jiangxi Kinko Energy Co. Ltd., a China-based manufacturer of silicon products.

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State bottle bill redemption rate climbs

August 2, 2008

The state beverage container recycling rate climbed to 72 percent for the fiscal year that just ended, and a survey by the state Department of Health shows the number of people who recycle is also up.

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Moving trash from state to state will not solve nation’s landfill capacity problems

July 23, 2008

What are we going to do with our trash when the landfills are full?

That’s not a problem that’s garnering much attention because, frankly, there are a lot of places in this country to bury our trash.
But across the Pacific Ocean it’s a real concern — right now.

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Fireman’s Fund offers ‘green’ policy in Hawaii

July 9, 2008

Hawaii is among 26 states where Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. will offer "green" insurance for homeowners, allowing policy holders to rebuild homes to green standards should their residence be completely destroyed.

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Local businesses use eco-friendly foodware to serve food

June 27, 2008

HONOLULU (KHNL) - When you’re chowing down on a plate lunch, you’re probably not wondering where the Styrofoam plate will end up.

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Re-Use Hawaii helps Punahou reduce renovation waste

June 24, 2008

Of all the waste produced in Hawai’i, 35% is construction and demolition waste, but much of that is recyclable.
Punahou school is renovating and found a way reuse parts

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