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| Clean Energy Maui > Maui Sustainability Center |
Maui Sustainability CenterThis is an invitation to participate!
I
am looking for a nonprofit organization (existing or new) to take this
project under its wings. We need to find public, private and corporate
funding. Approximate costs are $1.6 million for the startup and
$12,000/month for ongoing operations.
Please contact me through the Mailform or on my cell phone (808) 214-7678 Mahalo, Chris Mentzel
 Welcome to the Maui Sustainability Center
(It's still a dream, let's make it real!)
Just
outside of Wailuku is a piece of paradise with a running stream and
over 2
acres of mature organic mango, citrus, avocado and banana trees. It is
a center where every Maui resident can come to learn how to grow food
in neighborhood gardens or small farms, use sustainable building practices and reduce energy usage.
Of course,
Hawaiian values are embedded in the center's teachings. The center is open 10-6 most days and hosts several classes every week.
Staffed
mostly by volunteers, the 2 acres of organic gardens show a variety of
gardening methods, explain composting and permaculture and offer
practical inspirations to start food production. Seeds are provided and
exchanged and gardeners/farmers meet in a small group to share tips.
The center hosts workshops for 8 to 50 people on a weekly basis:
- Start growing food - now!
- Advanced tips for home gardeners
- Energy conservation at home - save $4,000 per year
- Reduce energy costs in your business
- Make electricity at home and save $$$
- The climate and other world issues
An ongoing exhibit at the entrance shows technologies of energy
conservation, such as efficient light bulbs and appliances, shows sustainable building practices and offers
easy to follow tips to save up to $4,000 per year. Another section
displays sustainable building materials and techniques.
In
the back of the building is the renewable energy section with
photovoltaic panels, small windmills and a micro hydropower plant. Full
documentation is available how to use these advanced technologies at
home or at the farm.
A bookstore and library contain practical
guides and books regarding sustainability and a variety of local
information. The noticeboard provides for listings of jobs and produce
exchange.
A weekly farmer's market brings the community together.
The Maui Sustainability Center is of great service for the entire
population of Maui by providing a focal point where to get information
on creating a sustainable life. Immediate, measurable outcomes are the
establishment of neighborhood gardens and small farms, as well as a marked reduction of energy (think oil!) usage by better
understanding of energy saving devices and behaviors.
Do you like this dream?
I have developed
this idea after visiting similar centers in Fairfax, CA and Chicago.
The first one is a nonprofit, based on private initiative and the
second is a $9-million government project. Then I found the ideal
property. It has all the necessities, including an existing organic garden and it is currently available for sale. It is my belief that
such a center would be of great benefit to Maui's people by inspiring
them to grow food, save money on energy and live more sustainably.
We can make this happen rather quickly, but I need your help to find the funding and the volunteer staff to operate it.
To help. please contact me by the Mailform or call me at (808) 214-7678.
Mahalo,
Chris Mentzel
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