Environmental Club members have continued to work toward consistent cafeteria composting at Hall-Dale Middle School, but not without encountering challenges along the way. Our original farmer had a very busy schedule—between taking care of his animals and picking up food waste from others around town, he could not always get to us in a timely… Continue Reading
food waste
Saturday, September 29: ecomaine’s Annual Recycling Open House, Portland
The Natural Resources Council of Maine is pleased to again participate in ecomaine’s annual Recycling Open House and e-waste collection event on Saturday, September 29, from 8:00-11:00 a.m. at their location at 62 Blueberry Road, Portland (just off Exit 46 of I-95 near the Portland International Jetport). The morning included: Tours of ecomaine’s facilities Free electronic… Continue Reading
Hall-Dale Middle School Students Start Composting Program
The program is made possible through a grant from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Through a grant from the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Hall-Dale Middle School students are starting a composting program in their school cafeteria to reduce food waste, according to a news release from the council. Middle school students in the… Continue Reading
Camden’s Sea Dog Brewing Co. Reduces Use of Plastic Straws
By Susan Mustapich Village Soup news story CAMDEN — A simple suggestion from staff at the Camden Sea Dog Brewing Co. is rapidly cutting down on the number of plastic straws used at the restaurant and brewpub. Earlier this month, wait staff and bartenders stopped putting straws in most drinks, including water, unless a straw… Continue Reading
Hall-Dale Middle School Environmental Club Food Waste Reduction Project
When the HDMS Environmental Club first met in September to discuss potential environmentally focused school projects, we decided to focus on food waste reduction in the cafeteria. First, we needed to find a local farmer to pick up food waste on a daily basis, to alleviate concerns from the Manager of Buildings and Grounds and… Continue Reading
May 4, 2018: “Just Eat It” Movie Screening, Farmington
NRCM screened the food waste documentary film “Just Eat It” as part of the Growing Roots event series, a weeklong exploration and celebration of community and food in Franklin County. These events were organized by the Franklin County Food Council, an expansive network of individuals and organizations interested in promoting healthy food systems. Friday, May… Continue Reading
2018 Legislative Priorities for Maine’s Environment
The 2018 legislative session is well underway. This is the “short session” of the Legislature, which means the pace is fast as lawmakers attempt to adjourn by the end of April. It is also an election year for every House and Senate seat, and it is Governor Paul LePage’s final year in office, adding an… Continue Reading
South Portland Food Waste Pilot Program Increases Recycling
By Juliette Laaka The Forecaster news story SOUTH PORTLAND — Since its inception last May, a pilot program to collect food waste has increased recycling rates in two participating neighborhoods. About 600 households in the Knightville and Meetinghouse Hill neighborhoods received 6-gallon buckets to use for curbside compost collection. Additional bins were set up at… Continue Reading
Taking a Bite Out of Food Waste
Tackling climate change, food insecurity, and economic waste one meal at a time By Ryan Parker, NRCM Sustainable Maine Policy Advocate Licia Goodridge knows just how expensive food waste is. Since food is mostly water, which weighs eight pounds per gallon, and hauling contracts are based on weight, she knew her school district was wasting… Continue Reading
