Planting Christmas 2007
In 2007, The Permaculture Group offered the Maui Nui community the native ha’o tree (an endemic Hawaiian Plumeria) as a living alternative to an imported, invasive holiday tradition. Not only were locals encouraged to change their holiday traditions a little, but participants also supported local sustainable farming as opposed to shipping products in from foreign farms. People who purchased trees were given educational literature about their tree, including how to care for them and plant them in their yards.
On Maui alone, over 25 residents chose the live ha’o over the dead pine tree.
This is thanks to our outreach efforts.
The Permaculture Group participated in the Kahului Swap Meet and had a booth at the Wailuku Green Christmas Festival.
We were also interviewed by acclaimed Hawai’i reporter Gary Kubota and featured in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin article “Christmas Tree Project Trades An Axe For A Spade”. (link to http://starbulletin.com/2007/12/14/news/story06.html).
We also partnered with local pubic access TV provider Akaku: Maui Community Television, who offered the trees to its supporters in its holiday fundraiser “Support Local Voices, Buy Local Trees”.(link to http://www.mauiweekly.com/localnews/story5835.aspx)
Next year’s Planting Christmas project promises a wider array of available trees, and will include a “Plant A Wish” option for those wanting to host planting ceremonies at New Years Eve/New Years Day gatherings. Check back here for more info as the holiday season approaches!
2007 Participants were encouraged to email us photos of their decorated trees, and here are a few of our favorites (click to enlarge):
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