Sustainability + Conservation
At ‘Alohi Kai we like to spend as many hours underwater as we can, but this also means we see the pollution and damage being done to marine life. We want to keep the ocean and marine life healthy so we constantly clear the reefs of fishing line, hooks, weights and garbage when we dive. Slow fashion is not necessarily about conservation, but being authentic and true to our values is. So we support and contribute to ocean conservation efforts where we can. Below are some of the ways we contribute – as this is constantly changing, we occasionally update what we do with sustainability and conservation so do check back!
Sustainability + Conservation
At ‘Alohi Kai we like to spend as many hours underwater as we can, but this also means we see the pollution and damage being done to marine life. We want to keep the ocean and marine life healthy so we constantly clear the reefs of fishing line, hooks, weights and garbage when we dive. Slow fashion is not necessarily about conservation, but being authentic and true to our values is. So we support and contribute to ocean conservation efforts where we can. Below are some of the ways we contribute – as this is constantly changing, we occasionally update what we do with sustainability and conservation so do check back!
What we strive for at ‘Alohi Kai
We want to provide our customers with a sustainable jewelry option that will outlive trends and fads – the longer something lasts, the less waste we create. Since we opened, we’ve been deliberate about what kind of business we want to be. One of the nice things about being a small business is that we can be the changes we want to see. We bear the health of our oceans and marine wildlife in mind with every decision we make.
What we strive for at ‘Alohi Kai
We want to provide our customers with a sustainable jewelry option that will outlive trends and fads – the longer something lasts, the less waste we create. Since we opened, we’ve been deliberate about what kind of business we want to be. One of the nice things about being a small business is that we can be the changes we want to see. We bear the health of our oceans and marine wildlife in mind with every decision we make.
Conscious Creation
We believe in incremental, deliberate and sustainable changes – very few businesses can completely eliminate everything that makes a negative environmental impact, but what we can do is be aware, make decisions that minimize our impact, and give back to the sea. We view it as a continuous-improvement process to find more sustainable processes and conservation materials as we go. Some of the things we do:
- One of our aims at ’Alohi Kai is to do no harm to marine wildlife. This means using eco-friendly processes in our jewelry-making (eg, we use non-toxic compounds and pickle), not harming wildlife to create our jewelry (no shells or pearls) and generally being careful about what waste we create.
- Our fabrication silver is reclaimed/recycled silver
- All our production and suppliers are from the US
- We are conscious about our packaging – reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Reduce – overall, we aim to balance the security/safety of your order with as little packaging as possibl
- Reuse – any air pillows, peanuts and boxes we are sent we reuse as much as possible, you may see some in your packaging,
- Our packaging is always re-usable and/or made from recycled materials; we use recycled paper boxes and carding, branded cardboard or pine wood boxes, or cotton pouches.
- Our branded mailer boxes and tissue are from FSC Certified suppliers using sustainable forests and with the highest recycled content allowed
- Our branded mailer boxes are printed with non toxic soy-based inks. These were designed to be pretty enough for re-use, but easy to recycle (soy inks contain no petroleum and make it easier to recycle)
- We use plant-based compostable plastic pouches to mail smaller items
- Any disposable plastic we purchase is always biodegradable
- Wherever possible, our marketing materials are made from recycled card stock, in some cases they are made from reclaimed cotton t-shirts!
Conscious Creation
We believe in incremental, deliberate and sustainable changes – very few businesses can completely eliminate everything that makes a negative environmental impact, but what we can do is be aware, make decisions that minimize our impact, and give back to the sea. We view it as a continuous-improvement process to find more sustainable processes and conservation materials as we go. Some of the things we do:
- One of our aims at ’Alohi Kai is to do no harm to marine wildlife. This means using eco-friendly processes in our jewelry-making (eg, we use non-toxic compounds and pickle), not harming wildlife to create our jewelry (no shells or pearls) and generally being careful about what waste we create.
- Our fabrication silver is reclaimed/recycled silver
- All our production and suppliers are from the US
- We are conscious about our packaging – reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Reduce – overall, we aim to balance the security/safety of your order with as little packaging as possibl
- Reuse – any air pillows, peanuts and boxes we are sent we reuse as much as possible, you may see some in your packaging,
- Our packaging is always re-usable and/or made from recycled materials; we use recycled paper boxes and carding, branded cardboard or pine wood boxes, or cotton pouches.
- Our branded mailer boxes and tissue are from FSC Certified suppliers using sustainable forests and with the highest recycled content allowed
- Our branded mailer boxes are printed with non toxic soy-based inks. These were designed to be pretty enough for re-use, but easy to recycle (soy inks contain no petroleum and make it easier to recycle)
- We use plant-based compostable plastic pouches to mail smaller items
- Any disposable plastic we purchase is always biodegradable
- Wherever possible, our marketing materials are made from recycled card stock, in some cases they are made from reclaimed cotton t-shirts!
Be the change
We also believe that small actions have big consequences. We volunteer with marine debris and coral conservation organisations, take underwater photos for scientists, and do our own cleanups with dive buddies. Every line we collect is one less chance for marine life strangulation, every hook means a little less unnecessary suffering. If you are looking for organizations to volunteer with, get in touch! We’re happy to give you some information.
We also work with organizations that align with our values such as Sharks4Kids. The goal of Sharks4Kids is to create the next generation of shark advocates through education, outreach, and adventure. Sharks4Kids provides a dynamic range of interactive learning resources and opportunities to engage and empower students of all ages. When you use the SHARKS4K coupon code on any tiger shark or great hammerhead we’ll donate 15% to Sharks4Kids, and you get 5% off!
Be the change
We also believe that small actions have big consequences. We volunteer with marine debris and coral conservation organisations, take underwater photos for scientists, and do our own cleanups with dive buddies. Every line we collect is one less chance for marine life strangulation, every hook means a little less unnecessary suffering. If you are looking for organizations to volunteer with, get in touch! We’re happy to give you some information.
We also work with organizations that align with our values such as Sharks4Kids. The goal of Sharks4Kids is to create the next generation of shark advocates through education, outreach, and adventure. Sharks4Kids provides a dynamic range of interactive learning resources and opportunities to engage and empower students of all ages. When you use the SHARKS4K coupon code on any tiger shark or great hammerhead we’ll donate 15% to Sharks4Kids, and you get 5% off!
Hawaiian Monk Seals
These little Hawaii monk seals were created to help raise awareness about Hawaiian monk seals, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, and the most endangered seal. The Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is endemic to Hawaii, and called ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua in Hawaiian which means “dog that runs in rough water”.
In the late 19th century, Hawaiian monk seals were hunted to the brink of extinction. The overall population is currently declining and is estimated at fewer than 1,200 individuals. Biologists predict this number will dip below 1,000 in the next 3-4 years. Despite being listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1976, they are still near the brink of extinction. Over the last 50 years, the Hawaiian monk seal population has declined by more than 60%.
We only very occasionally are treated to seeing a monk seal when we dive, and despite their unwieldy shape on land, they’re like torpedos in the sea!! Its heartbreaking to think they are so endangered. We’ll donate a % of each monk seal sale to support organizations that look after and care for Hawaiian monk seals. (applies to all monk seal jewelry in the Hohonu Bijoux collection, click image to browse)
Hawaiian Monk Seals
These little Hawaii monk seals were created to help raise awareness about Hawaiian monk seals, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, and the most endangered seal. The Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is endemic to Hawaii, and called ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua in Hawaiian which means “dog that runs in rough water”.
In the late 19th century, Hawaiian monk seals were hunted to the brink of extinction. The overall population is currently declining and is estimated at fewer than 1,200 individuals. Biologists predict this number will dip below 1,000 in the next 3-4 years. Despite being listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1976, they are still near the brink of extinction. Over the last 50 years, the Hawaiian monk seal population has declined by more than 60%.
We only very occasionally are treated to seeing a monk seal when we dive, and despite their unwieldy shape on land, they’re like torpedos in the sea!! Its heartbreaking to think they are so endangered. We’ll donate a % of each monk seal sale to support organizations that look after and care for Hawaiian monk seals. (applies to all monk seal designs, click image to browse)
Barbless Circle Hook Bracelets
Our Barbless Circle Hook bracelets (BCH) were designed with conservation in mind. We donate a percent of every BCH bracelet to organisations that look after marine life that are harmed by fishing hooks. (click on image to browse the bracelets)
We have a display of information at most events and are in the process of building more relationships in this area. Do ask us more if you have any questions – if we don’t know the answers, we’re happy to refer you to organisations that do.
Our selected beneficiary organisations vary, if you have one you would like to propose, please get in touch with us! In the mean time, check out our blog posts about the pros and cons of barbed and barbless hooks if you want to know more.
Sharks4Kids
When you purchase any Niuhi Tiger Shark or Great Hammerhead design, you’ll get 5% off the price and we’ll donate another 15% to Sharks4Kids when you use code SHARKS4K
We believe raising awareness and building young ocean advocates is essential if we are to protect our oceans. Which is why we support Sharks4Kids and their mission to create the next generation of shark advocates through education, outreach, and adventure. Sharks4Kids provides a dynamic range of interactive learning resources and opportunities to engage and empower students of all ages. Check out their website for information and resources!
Sharks4Kids
When you purchase any Niuhi Tiger Shark or Great Hammerhead design, you’ll get 5% off the price and we’ll donate another 15% to Sharks4Kids when you use code SHARKS4K
We believe raising awareness and building young ocean advocates is essential if we are to protect our oceans. Which is why we support Sharks4Kids and their mission to create the next generation of shark advocates through education, outreach, and adventure. Sharks4Kids provides a dynamic range of interactive learning resources and opportunities to engage and empower students of all ages. Check out their website for information and resources!
What can you do to help monk seals and turtles?
From NOAA:
- Keep beaches clean.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Keep seals wild—give them space.
- When fishing, pull your fishing line in until the seal leaves the area.
- Keep cats exclusively indoors. Cats that live outdoors spread the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which is lethal to monk seals and other native wildlife.
- Vaccinate your pets and keep dogs leashed at all times. Dogs have injured and even killed monk seals through attacks and bites, & can transmit diseases to seals.
- Promote healthy oceans. Share your enthusiasm and educate others.
Other things you can do:
- Pick Up Trash, and Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Plastic – our garbage causes injuries in wildlife
- Conserve Water
- Use Environmentally-Friendly Products
- Know Where Your Food Comes From – make sustainable food choices
- Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner – clean up after your pet and protect ocean life, make sustainable food choices for them too
- Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption
- Help Take Care of the Beach – clean up and don’t take wildlife, rocks or coral away
- Don’t Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life – so pretty, but products made from shell, tortoise shell or sharkskin/jaws do direct harm to wildlife and supports markets that decimate fragile marine populations
- Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
- Influence Change in Your Community & educate yourself about oceans and marine wildlife