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Ko‘olau Guitar & ‘Ukulele, Inc. Eco-Friendly Regarding environmental degradation, the 20th century has been the worst in history. The causes are, among others, the industrial and technological progress, growth of the world population, lack of legislation, and lack of commitment by individuals and institutions. We at Ko’olau Guitar & ‘Ukulele are as responsible and negligent as most manufacturers for the depletion of earths resources. But we are trying to change, and sadly it costs more to do the right thing. During the last few years we have tried to introduce new woods that are sustainable, in other words, easily replenishable rather than native woods that are rare and near extinction. And so we encourage our customers to “venture” out and try uncommon environmentally sustainable woods. And it’s interesting to note that of all new woods we have researched and now use, we have discovered that tone and volume are equal and sometimes surpassing traditional woods. In addition to instrument woods we also use paper for information and marketing, including stationary, envelopes, brochures, flyers, and string packaging. Beginning this year our new string labeling will be printed on an agricultural-industrial fiber paper. The process uses the waste from common agricultural products, such as banana, coffee, sugar cane, mango, and lemon. We have decided to use Mango and Banana. In fact, you will see actual pieces of Banana and Mango peel in the paper. With each ton of our new paper used there are an estimated 17 trees saved. We obviously still believe that trees and lumber are necessary to build instruments, but when there are other recyling alternatives available, trees should not be wasted to produce paper. One problem is that producing paper from recycled agricultural waste is more expensive than from lumber, so our cost increases. But we feel this is the more responsible way to do business. Additionally, our new paper will help support “fair-trade” agricultural farming in poor communities where coffee, mangos, and bananas are grown. 3% of all proceeds are donated to orphan children in disadvantaged areas.
Ko'olau
Guitar & ‘Ukulele
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