Working with University of Hawaii-Maui College students in the Masters of Energy Efficiency program, Maui Soda & Ice Works and its Roselani ice cream division are working toward greater energy efficiency.
Brian Carvalho, who handles plant maintenance, is in charge of the company's recycling program.
He said, "Last July, a friend came to Maui Soda wanting to teach me how to reduce the trash that is going into the landfill, so I took him up on his offer. He taught me how to recycle things instead of throwing them away. Maui Soda now has recycling bins for mixed metals, mixed papers and miscellaneous recyclables. Our company has also invested in a cardboard and shrink-wrap compactor which makes recyclable bales. By using all these tools, Maui Soda has cut down three-quarters of our trash that was going into the landfill and has also cut down two-thirds of our trash bill. I think it is a win-win situation for everyone."
The UH-Maui College students also are analyzing the Wailuku plant's lighting system with an eye to improving overall energy efficiency.
