Recycling is one of the key ways we can keep materials out of landfills and conserve our natural resources. For decades, Maine people have developed a strong recycling ethic because they want to do the right thing. However, many are losing access to recycling programs due to changes in the recycled commodities markets. This is Read More
plastic pollution
Reflections On Our Work Together
On October 16, NRCM celebrated our 2019 Conservation Leadership Award recipients. The event took place in Portland, at the Jewish Community Alliance and was filled with warmth and celebration among our members and friends. It was truly an honor to recognize people so dedicated to helping protect the nature of Maine. I invite you to Read More
Missing: Three Billion Birds, Now It’s Time to Act
Those of you who have asked us why the number of birds you now see in your yards, feeders, or favorite birding spots, appear to be far fewer than you remembered decades ago may now have your answer. A study published in the rigorously academic journal Science found that there are nearly three billion fewer Read More
Your Voice Matters
This year, the Natural Resources Council of Maine is proudly celebrating 60 years of protecting the nature of Maine. How fortunate we are that in 1959, a handful of people came together to protect the Allagash River from a dam project that would have spoiled the region forever. Saving that special place was the first Read More
Balloon Litter Prevention Resources
Balloons Blow website: https://balloonsblow.org/ Journal of Scientific Reports: Balloons the No. 1 marine debris risk of mortality for seabirds University of Tasmania, March 1, 2019 Better Alternatives Now (BAN) 2.0, An analysis and call-to-action to phase out the most polluting plastic products used in the United States Towns in Maine with balloon ordinances: Kennebunk Unity Read More
Maine Bans Single-use Plastic Bags
Makes Switch to Reusable Shopping Bags June 17, 2019 (Augusta, ME) — Maine has become the third state in the nation to ban the use of single-use plastic shopping bags statewide. The move comes shortly after the state became the first in the nation to ban polystyrene foam food containers. Today, Governor Janet Mills signed Read More
Maine Bans Single-Use Plastic Bags
In 2019, with Governor Janet Mills’ signature, Maine became the third state in the nation to ban single-use plastic bags. The plastic bag ban came to fruition shortly after the passage of a neighboring bill that made our state the first in the nation to ban polystyrene foam food containers. The bill was a collaborative Read More
Support of LD 1628, An Act To Implement Recommendations of the DEP Regarding the State’s Container Redemption Laws
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 support LD 1628, which would implement the Department of Environmental Protection’s recommendations regarding Read More
Maine is First State in the Nation to Ban Foam Food Containers
NRCM news release April 30, 2019 (Augusta, ME) – Maine has become the first state in the nation to ban disposable foam food containers under a bill signed into law today by Governor Janet Mills. The new law seeks to curb harmful foam pollution that threatens health of people, wildlife, and the environment. “Maine has Read More
