Helping People Fall in Love With Nature

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program is part of Cousteau (son of Jacques)'s Ocean Futures Society. The aim of the organization is to "promote a better understanding of how nature works and create an appreciation for the value of our natural heritage in order to guide the next generation to live more sustainably on the planet."

I recently visited the JMC-AOTE's Kapalua location at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which takes guests hiking in the Maunalei Arboretum rainforest, snorkeling in Kapalua Bay (where you can get up close with giant sea turtles -- for real!), and on a number of other adventures. They have programs for everyone from corporate trips to groups of children and families, and they can organize private excursions, as well.

"Our theory is that people will protect what they love," said Jaclyn, an expert naturalist and representative of the center. "So, my job -- I'm so lucky -- I get to help people fall in love with nature!"

Jaclyn, who you can see here in my article Wonders of the Kapalua Rainforest, really is that enthusiastic. "The ocean can't come to us and say 'Hey, stop throwing trash in me, I'm getting sick,' but we can use our hearts and our eyes and see what's going on in the sea, and we can be ambassadors, and a voice for the ocean, and the forest." She spoke about the center's work with local children, and when I asked about who gets to play; who can afford the fabulous education that the Ritz-Carlton's very own Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment center can provide, she explained that basically, the center "won't turn a local kid away." That's pretty cool.

The center itself is something of an eco-feat. Not only is it where I spotted the Wataire and the table made of money, but it also has an impressive list of eco-features like:

• LED ceiling lights
• Dual-flush toilets
• Coreless toilet paper
• Eco-friendly paper towels
• Sustainable bamboo flooring
• Sustainable furniture
• Corn cups (biodegradable and plastic-like, but made from corn)
• Chemical-free sunscreen
• Rain water irrigation
• Doors made from reclaimed Koa wood

That's not even nearly all. Click here to find a local center you can visit or perhaps even begin to frequent, and on your next vacation, learn to love more than just the swim-up pool bar! (Not that there's anything wrong with loving a swim-up pool bar.) Pictures of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua JMC-AOTE follow.

Photos by Annie Scott.