Hawai'i Interfaith Light & Power, a new faith-based chapter of the national group that focuses on issues of climate change and energy issues, is having a dedication at 6 p.m. Sept. 18. The Rev. Sally Bingham, who's president and founder of the national group and has been named one of the top 15 green religious leaders by Grist magazine, will be on hand at the Church of the Crossroads to give the keynote talk, followed by a reception. Information: David Turner, 254-2154.

SAVE THE PLANET

PICNIC FANCY AND ECO-FRIENDLY

Class up your picnic while you help the environment: Skip the disposable flatware, utensils and bakeware. If it's a beach blowout that really doesn't lend itself to your most elegant Waterford crystal, go with reusable items that can be washed and stored for later events. Invest in a set of cloth napkins and a sturdy tablecloth and you've managed to make fancy synonymous with eco-friendly.

FINAL WORD

"Each water bottle you recycle may seem like a drop in the bucket, but don't undervalue your efforts. America is recycling nearly 33 percent of its waste — almost twice as much as 15 years ago."

Natalie Ermann Russell , who wrote about "How to Recycle Anything" in Real Simple Magazine