Green Lesson Is Bringing In The Green For Trojan Tote Bags

Sarah Pacheco
Wednesday - November 12, 2008
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Mililani High School student entrepreneurs (from left) Elizabeth Spalla, Eleanor Ko, Nikita Fortune-Wong and Jenna Wakatake show off their in-demand eco-totes. Photo courtesy of Communications Pacific.

Plastic is so last year. In keeping with the eco-trends sprouting up, six Mililani High students have pooled their talents to create, produce and sell their very own environmentally friendly tote bags.

“We were looking for a green project that we could execute in the real world, and we saw that there was definitely interest and even a need for green initiatives in Hawaii,” explained industrial arts teacher Tom Falenofoa.“As a whole, the bag represents caring for the community through involvement and environmental awareness.”

Erica Kunihisa, Monica Yamashiro, Jenna Wakatake, Elizabeth Spalla, Eleanor Ko and Nikita Fortune-Wong took on the project as part of the MHS “Go Green Mililani” effort. The final product is a bag made of woven polypropylene - a form of 100-percent recycled plastic - with a sprawling tree inspired by the tree-lined streets of Mililani, naturally, which shades the logo “Go Green Mililani” and the symbol to recycle prominently displayed on both sides.


 

“We hope that this project will serve as an inspiration to students, teachers, administrators, businesses and the community about the great things that can be achieved in education through partnership, community involvement and a little bit of imagination,” principal John Brummel said.

The graphic communication students used the Malama O Manoa Eco-tote as a template for their reusable bag concept. They then researched additional designs, shapes and forms before partnering with Castle & Cooke for funding and meeting with Mililani resident Jodi Kadokawa (of Spicers Paper) to learn marketing techniques. Falenofoa said they also are in talks with Mililani Walmart to arrange November dates when the students can sell their $4 bags outside the store.


“The students are slightly overwhelmed by the response to their work,“he added.“Their design skills have improved both creatively and technically, and their own awareness of green issues has grown. The school and community at large have responded very well to the bags, and the design is very popular. Students are sending them as gifts to family on the Mainland as well.”

The must-have bags will be on sale at the MHS ABC Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22. They also are available at the MHS merchandise stall during games, at the Warchest campus store and at other school craft fairs.

All proceeds support MHS career and technical education programs.

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