By Tom Porter MPBN news story The Canadian government has joined the fray over a controversial proposal to prevent the passage of alewives into the St. Croix River near the international border. Ottawa wants unrestricted alewife passage, something which conservationists support, but which the recreational fishing lobby says could have devastating effects on the local Read More
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Portland Businesses Ready to Begin Life without Polystyrene
The ban that starts April 15 is likely to cost consumers, but it also will help keep non-biodegradable cups and containers out of the bay. By Matt Byrne, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Coffee shops and restaurants in Portland are ready for the ban that goes into effect Wednesday on polystyrene cups and Read More
What’s That? A Dot
An explanation of why using fewer plastic bags matter, to us and to the planet. In 10 days, on Wednesday, April 15, grocery stores in Portland will begin charging a nickel for every bag (plastic and paper) that they use to package your groceries. Our dot represents connecting the dots, reminding you why – beyond Read More
Microbead Ban Becomes Law Without LePage Signature
The plastic particles will be phased out of products and the full ban will go into effect in 2019. The Associated Press news story AUGUSTA — A bill banning synthetic microbeads in personal care products has become law without Gov. Paul LePage’s signature. Republican Sen. Tom Saviello’s proposal went into law this week after LePage Read More
Maine House Overwhelmingly Backs Banning Microbeads
The tiny plastic pellets are in many personal care products but they are not biodegradable and they pass through wastewater treatment filters. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – The Maine House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday in support of a bill that would ban the sale of soap, toothpaste and other Read More
House Passes Bill to Ban Plastic Microbeads in Maine
By The Associated Press MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – The Democratic-controlled Maine House has given final approval to a bill that would ban the sale of synthetic plastic microbeads in personal care products. The House voted 145-1 on Tuesday to send the bill to the Senate. Microbeads are non-biodegradable plastic particles that are used Read More
Plastics Make for Grim Oceanic Future
Careless disposal by Asia’s developing economies may cause serious harm to the sea. by Seth Borenstein, The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story SAN JOSE, California — Each year about 8.8 million tons of plastic ends up in the world oceans, a quantity much higher than previous estimates, according to a new study that tracked Read More
Bill to Ban Microbeads in Maine Backed by Both Sides
In a rare alignment, manufacturers and environmentalists join to help the measure sail easily through committee. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A bill that would ban soaps, shampoos and other consumer products containing tiny plastic “microbeads” in Maine sailed through a legislative committee Wednesday after manufacturers and environmentalists made a Read More
Testimony in Support of LD 85, An Act to Prohibit Synthetic Plastic Microbeads in Personal Care Products and Over-the-counter Drugs
Senator Saviello, Representative Welsh, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Policy Advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in support of LD 85. There is a strong case for phasing out Read More
