Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you in support of LD 360, which I believe is the Read More
Sustainability
Maine Could Be Among First in U.S. to Ban Plastic Bags Statewide
With 20 communities already restricting them, and more on the way, the state may take California’s environmental cue. by Gillian Graham, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The way Rep. Nicole Grohoski sees it, the time has come to do something about plastic shopping bags. The first-term Democrat from Ellsworth is one of three Read More
Support of LD 289, LD 621, and LD 505: Bills to Prohibit Use of Disposable Foam Food Containers
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you in support of LD 289, LD 621, and LD 505. Read More
Ellsworth the Latest Maine Town to Consider Banning Plastic Shopping Bags
By Bill Trotter, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story A proposal to bar city retailers from distributing single-use plastic shopping bags had its first airing Monday night before city councilors. The ban, if adopted, would add Ellsworth to the ranks of more than a dozen municipalities in Maine that have adopted restrictions on the Read More
Polystyrene Ban Proposal Advances
by Deborah McDermott Seacoast Online news story YORK, Maine — A proposed ordinance banning polystyrene containers is heading to a public hearing on Feb. 11, and perhaps again on Feb. 25, as selectmen work to ensure the broadest number of people have an opportunity to comment on it — particularly the business community. The decision came Read More
Support of LD 102, An Act to Improve the Manufacturing of Plastic Bottles and Caps
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you in support of LD 102, An Act to Improve the Read More
Cafeteria’s Share Table Reduces Waste, Feeds Students
By Michael Kelley Keep ME Current news story WESTBROOK — In an effort to reduce the amount of trash generated at the high school cafeteria and to help keep students from being hungry throughout the day, school staff last month introduced a Share Table. “The idea is to feed the students who may need extra 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
Environmental Issues in Maine at the State and Federal Levels
The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) closely monitors policy developments related to environmental issues in Maine and at the federal level. We actively promote policies to protect against air pollution and water pollution, ensuring clean air and clean water in Maine. We work to conserve land for public access and for healthy Maine wildlife Read More