When considering how to reduce plastic pollution, many people find compostable cups, containers, and utensils (“compostables”) to be an appealing option. We understand why: these products often claim to be “earth-friendly,” and ultimately that is what we all deeply desire. Unfortunately, the environmental impact of disposable compostable containers is not as simple and straightforward as Read More
Timeless Lessons from a Native Garden in Uncertain Times
When we purchased our home, the first thing we did was designate a portion of our yard that we would allow to grow wild with native plants. Like most offices, the Natural Resources Council of Maine started working remotely as a result of the pandemic. Because of that, I’ve had the opportunity to pay closer attention to the changes in my native wildflower garden. There are a Read More
Hitting the Trails in Brunswick
A couple of weeks ago, my colleague at the Natural Resources Council of Maine shared some information about local trails near her home in Central Maine that she and her family have spent some time exploring recently. With people staying close to home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a great time to find local Read More
Thousands of Mainers Want Recycling Reform for Maine
Ten towns representing almost 95,000 Mainers have already adopted the Recycling Reform Municipal Resolution. An additional 1,500 Mainers have signed NRCM’s petition. Recycling Reform will secure the future of Maine’s recycling programs. Recycling Reform for Maine is a type of law that is used all over the world to better manage recyclables. With the recent global shake-up in recycling markets, Maine’s Read More
A Fresh Perspective on Recycling Responsibility
Municipalities and taxpayers in the United States have been footing the bill for recycling programs for too long. It is a funding model that is rooted in a time when our wastes were much simpler. The problem today is that our waste stream is more complex than it has ever been. It is filled with Read More
Making a Difference for Maine’s Environment in the Classroom and Cafeteria
Mainers can be proud of their schools for a variety of reasons. Every time I visit a new school I am impressed by the innovative ways they are preparing students for the future. Making changes in the way the students relate to food is no exception. This fall I was particularly impressed by the School Read More
Maine School Cafeterias Reducing Plastic Pollution and Waste
We are all familiar with the challenges of using plastic cutlery. These utensils notoriously fail at the only task they are made for: cutting and picking up food. In addition, they create a lot of single-use trash, are not recyclable, and there are reusable options. In recent years, schools have brought plastic cutlery into lunchrooms. Read More
Maine State Prison Growing Food
Inmates are growing gardens, and gardens are growing them. Gardens offer so many metaphors for the ups and downs of life, and the inmates at Maine State Prison are getting the chance to experience them first hand. In a partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, a new gardening program gives some inmates the Read More
