Here's a creative, family fun event: "Picturing Nature," a two-hour activity at Hawai'i Nature Center. Parent-child teams can observe nature through a photographic slideshow set to music, or express visions of nature in Makiki Valley's rainforest through poetry, art or photography. The fun starts at 4 p.m. March 11; $20 per parent/child team; 955-0100.

SAVE THE PLANET

WATER HEATER SIZE MATTERS

Select the right size water heater tank. HECO says if the tank is too large, energy will be wasted by keeping the extra water hot. If it's too small, hot water may run out.

— Mary Kaye Ritz

FINAL WORD

"I'm a consumer. I love the creature comforts. I can't live without my cappuccinos, my hot showers, that kind of thing. ... I'm not the type to cut back on hot showers, but there's no harm in hot water when it's warmed by the sun."

Julia Louis-Dreyfus , on http://www.Grist.org