At the back of Pälolo Valley, one of Honolulu's most tropical urban neighborhoods, Josh Stanbro and his wife, Maxine Burkett, are making an environmental statement.

From the solar panels on their home to the garden outside — even the way they commute — the couple has decided to do more than just talk about living greener. They draw power from the sun, grow some of their own food and get around town on an electric scooter and a car that runs on diesel made from recycled cooking oil.

"We were raised to be kind of responsible for ourselves and be self-sufficient and to take pride in being accountable," said the 38-year-old Stanbro. "We definitely feel a lot of pride when we are able to make do for ourselves, to get a good deal and do the right thing by the environment."

The couple, who have a 13-month-old daughter, began piecing together a greener lifestyle in 2002 but got serious about it two years ago, Stanbro said.

Both have jobs related to environmental causes. Stanbro is director of Hawai'i Community Foundation's environment and sustainability program. Burkett teaches environmental law and climate change policy at the University of Hawai'i law school and is also director of the Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy.

Their efforts to preserve the environment have their daughter in mind.

"We recognize that everything we consume and use now is not going to be available for her," Stanbro said. "Every time we start an engine we compromise her ability to live in the Islands. Ever since she was born, that added a lot of motivation. We're thinking about the environment and preserving as good a world as we can."