But critics contend that even the watered-down bill is unnecessary because municipalities can already adopt ordinances regulating plastic bags. by Kevin Miller, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — House lawmakers passed a bill Thursday that aims to decrease the use of disposable plastic bags and foam food containers but that opponents dismissed Read More
bag ordinances
Town Bans Single-use Plastic Bags
Brunswick Town Council conducts vote on Monday by Juliette Laaka, Times Record Staff Times Record news story The Brunswick Town Council voted Monday to ban single-use plastic bags, with the measure set to be enacted Sept. 1. All councilors barring John Perreault were in favor of the ordinance, proposed by Councilors Steve Walker and Kathy Read More
Neither For Nor Against LD 57, An Act to Phase Out the Use of Single-use Plastic Shopping Bags
Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Ryan Parker and I am the Environmental Policy Outreach Coordinator for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify Neither For Nor Against LD 57. The problems created by single-use disposable bags Read More
Freeport Says No to Plastic Bags, Yes to a More Sustainable Maine!
Two years ago, two young women who had recently graduated from Freeport High School appeared before the Town Council to ask for an ordinance to ban single-use, disposable plastic bags. These two young leaders had conducted a senior project involving research about the environmental impacts these plastic bags have, particularly regarding Maine’s marine environment. Through Read More
Saco Council Considers Banning Plastic Shopping Bags
By Gilllian Graham, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The Saco City Council is considering a proposal to ban single-use plastic shopping bags and require a 5-cent charge for paper bags. Supporters of the bag ban say plastic is not biodegradable, creates litter and is especially harmful to sensitive marine ecosystems, but other councilors Read More
Bay Stewards Challenge Belfast to ‘Ban the Bag’
By Ethan Andrews, staff writer Republican Journal news story Belfast — “Remember when everyone used to smoke in restaurants?” Ned Lightner asked recently. He had been talking about his work with Ban the Bag in Belfast, a volunteer movement to do away with single-use plastic bags in the city. There was plenty to say about Read More
A Great Sustainability Effort Dawns in the Maine Town the Sun Touches First
Lubec, Maine, is an incredibly picturesque little town at the far eastern edge of Maine. Nestled at the end of Maine’s rugged, bold coastline, Lubec features many opportunities to engage locals and draw visitors. The quaint downtown contains a few dozen shops lining the main street, which leads to the foot of the bridge reaching Read More
Freeport Approves Ban on Single-use Plastic Bags
The ordinance prohibits disposable plastic shopping bags and includes a 5-cent fee on paper bags. By Peter McGuire, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story FREEPORT — Voters approved a townwide ban on disposable plastic shopping bags Tuesday, joining a number of Maine communities putting restrictions on the items. Residents approved the ban 804-501, about Read More
Portland is “Connected By Nature”
The City of Portland is developing a well-deserved reputation as one of the most sustainable cities in the nation. This reputation hasn’t happened overnight, or without the help of many of the citizens, businesses, and progressive thinkers in and around Maine’s largest city. A few months ago, the Natural Resources Council of Maine released an Read More