All across Maine, people are looking for holistic approaches that reduce climate-disrupting pollution, eliminate litter, increase recycling and composting, and transition to clean energy.
To that end, NRCM is dedicated to providing you with the tools to be successful in passing community-based sustainability initiatives. That is why we are providing this web-based toolkit, with resources to help you, and your community, move forward toward a sustainable future.
Click on the initiative below for information and resources to help you succeed. We will be regularly adding useful materials to these pages, so check back often!
Sustainable Community Initiatives
Balloon Litter Prevention Toolkit
Help prevent one of the top sources of preventable litter adding to the global plastic pollution crisis.
Cigarette Litter Prevention Toolkit
Simple, proven solutions to keep cigarette litter off
streets and out of waterways
Community Gardens Toolkit
Enhance your community by creating a healthy way to connect, learn, and grow together
Community Solar Toolkit
Learn about community solar farms, Solarize, and
municipal solar projects
Composting Toolkit
Composting is an effective tool to eliminate wastefulness and protect the environment
Complete Streets Toolkit
Making city streets safe and accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and automobiles
Foam Container Toolkit
Ban single-use foam containers, like coffee cups and take-out boxes, and use recyclable alternatives
Pay As You Throw Toolkit
Creating an equitable way to reduce household waste and save money in your town
Pesticide Ban Toolkit
Find ways to restrict use of harmful chemicals that impact human health and the environment
Prevent Wasteful Idling Toolkit
Encourage drivers to turn off engines when not in use to prevent unnecessary air pollution
Reducing School Food Waste Toolkit
Helping schools ensure no edible food is wasted and that food scraps are used appropriately.
Reusable Bag Toolkit
Discouraging the use of single-use disposal plastic and paper carryout bags through bans and fees

The documents in each initiative toolkit are tailored to fit each specific program; however, here are some useful guides that are helpful for any of the initiatives: