Got Aloha for a Teacher?
On December 10, 2011 Kanu is organizing our first Carrot Mob! These mobs are one way to influence businesses by spending money as a group in return for the business taking socially-responsible actions we care about. Kale's Natural Foods agreed to be our test site. We'll shop together on on Dec 10 at Kale's and they'll use part of the profits to install the Center's first recycle bins.
I've never been to Kale's so Eathan and I headed down there yesterday to check out the place and have lunch. We met up with Jen Hee, Kale's multi-talented baker, for a short tour and shot the video above. Here are seven things that stood out:
1. The Center really has no recycle bins. Kale's is planning on using part of the proceeds to install bins. They are looking at bins for compostable containers, HI5, and cardboard.
2. Wow, I found a local source for Handy Pantry sprout seeds! I love this brand and have been sprouting their seeds for some time. I ran out of my favorite 5 seed mix and they carry it. Sprouting is a great way to get started with reducing packaging waste by growing some of your own greens. Sprouts are about the easiest things in the world to grow.
3. They don't have bulk shampoos and lotions (which we buy) but have lots of other stuff including tea in bulk. We usually buy the same bulk items monthly so we use ziploc bags that are labeled with the product numbers over and over and over again. I can't believe I've never bought bulk tea before. Am going to pick up a bunch on Carrot Mob day.
4. The deli has yummy looking things! I tried the wild salmon burger which Jen says is served with focaccia that they make from scratch with no mixer. You can check out Kale's website for their menu http://www.kalesnaturalfoods.com/.
5. This looks like a fairly complete health food store that will probably carry things you would normally buy from a health food store.
6. They are the only retailer in Hawaii that I know of that sells Whoa Fat's cooking oil disposal containers. These are made in Hawaii using recycled paper. For $3 you can support Hawaii's last onsite paper recycler (and possibly help save your drain from clogs).
7. I got lost. I admit I have a GPS enabled phone though I couldn't break away from my audio book entertainment long enough to actually get androidy guidance. For first timers, do look up directions. The Center is off the main road a bit.
If you live on Oahu somewhat near Kale's we do hope you'll do your health food shopping with us on December 10, 2011. If you have never bought in bulk before, this is a good time to give it a try!
Energy
Food
Waste
Comments posted prior to adopting Facebook comments.
Thanks Eathan and Olin! Looks awesome!
Awesome preview, Olin, Eathan and Jen! I'm getting super pumped for the CarrotMob!
Kale's my favorite store! They are great!
They are really good about doing special orders for you if you don't see what you want. I asked for them to start carrying "Natural Value" TP (paper wrapped so no plastic waste is generated, yet much more economical than other brand of the same packaging) and they have been carrying them ever since.
I am sorry but I will miss the CarrotMob as I will be away. I'm sure it will be a huge success!
This clip is fabulous and I love the tips, THANKS SO MUCH Olin, Jen and Eathan!
Also noteworthy: Jen's a terrific vegan baker, so even if you aren't vegan, you really want to try the delicious baked goods at Kale's! "Life by Mocha" and double chocolate fudge brownie cookies rock, as does the pumpkin/flax bread with chocolate chips. Some great vegan mochi too.
Eating lower on the food chain is not only more compassionate, but also better for the environment!
P.S. Kale's has a gluten-free and a "local" section which showcases those products as well as making shopping easier.
Kales should create infrastructure to collect used cooking oil and get it to Pacific Biodiesel, a more sustainable solution than the Whoa Fat containers. I understand the Whoa Fat containers are made here with recycled newspaper, but we could see way more value reusing our oil to make biodiesel.
Give It Fresh Today will also be collecting food for Aloha Harvest to distribute to organizations that feed the hungry! Buy a little extra and provide a healthy food gift to people who would not otherwise be able to afford healthy food! =) It's a win-win for Kale's, and for organizations that provide food! If you're interested in being a GIFT volunteer on Carrot Mob day, please send me an email (giveitfreshtoday@gmai.com). Looking forward to a great day! Thanks for sharing what the proceeds will be used for! I'm excited for there to be more opportunities to recycle! =)