The Price of Sustainability
It seems that in Hawaii today the word “sustainability” has become synonymous with energy security. Sustainable energy, sustainable food, sustainable economy – what does all that really mean? If asked, most people would probably say they’d lay down their lives for their children … but would they, for their children’s environmental and economic future, drive a smaller car or spend a few cents more for cleaner-burning, locally produced fuel? Would they pay more for lettuce that was picked yesterday and came from a neighbor instead of a mainland corporation?
Unfortunately, few true sustainability models condone our current lifestyle. They inevitably will require us to change our ways of getting around, operating our businesses, disposing of waste and yes, even eating. But what will it take to truly move us in the direction of energy independence instead of just talking about it? Well-known sustainable architect William McDonough is fond of saying that “regulation is the sign of failure” and we have certainly proven that we will not do what we need to do out of free will.
I believe the single most important public policy that could be enacted to further the goal of Hawaii’s energy independence is to put a monetary value on sustainability. This might sound like a tall order, but in terms of calculating tax revenues, local jobs, and even BTUs, if the State could come up with a formula that would show lawmakers and Department heads the REAL value of sustainably-produced renewable energy, they would likely have the public support they need to follow through.
