To lubricate non-specialized mechanical items (from door hinges to kitchen equipment) use canola oil instead of petroleum-based greases. It’s easier on the environment. To view more tips, click here. To subscribe to our Tip of the Day RSS feed, click here.
Natural Resources Council of Maine
Don’t Sweep Into the Street
Sweeping leaves, twigs, and other yard debris into the street can lead to plugged culverts and storm drains, which could flood roads as well as your yard. Rake up debris and put it into your compost pile. If sand has built up near your driveway, ask your town about street sweeper services—of one their jobs Read More
Good Clean Fun
Bored? Skip the movies and other energy- and budget-busting activities. Go for a walk at a nature area. To view more tips, click here. To subscribe to our Tip of the Day RSS feed, click here.
New Life for Old Sweaters
Unravel the yarn of an old sweater and use it to knit new hat or scarf. Or remove the arms and fashion them into colorful leggings. Tie off the body of the sweater for use as an iPad cover. Repurposing items, including clothing, can be fun, saves you money and protects natural resources. To view Read More
Limit the Fish
Maine’s freshwaters are contaminated with enough mercury that state health officials warn about eating your catch. Most of us should limit ourselves to two meals per month, depending on where and what you catch. With few exceptions, pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, and children under age 8 shouldn’t eat any freshwater fish from Maine’s inland Read More
Sort It Out in Advance
Recycling is easier when you don’t have to pick through two-week-old trash. Build (or have built, or invest in) separate bins to hold glass, returnables, metal, cardboard boxes, recyclable plastic, paper, etc. To view more tips, click here. To subscribe to our Tip of the Day RSS feed, click here.
Sign Kids Up for a Maine Summer Camp
Maine is fortunate to have an abundance of summer camps—many families living in other states send their kids to camps here in Maine. Nature, outdoor sports, coastal exploration, primitive skills, swim and paddle camps—Maine offers a wide range of summer camps that get kids into the great outdoors. Find one that’s right for your family Read More
Buy FSC-Certified Wood
Buy lumber and other wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC, and rest assured your purchase supports sound forest practices. FSC-certified wood comes from forests managed to conserve biological diversity and wildlife habitat, which helps ensure clean air, recreation, and scenic beauty. Look for the FSC label and also ask at the Read More
Get NRCM’s Clean & Healthy Housekeeping Guide
Spring clean without harsh chemicals. Find out how by ordering NRCM’s Clean & Healthy Housekeeping brochure. You’ll find safe recipes for cleaning every room in your house, and tips for keeping your stuff clean and shiny – all without toxic chemicals. Get the brochure today. To view more tips, click here. To subscribe to our Read More
