Springtime painting projects? Use latex paint instead of oil-based paint, which contain toxic “VOC”s — volatile organic compounds. To view more tips, click here. To subscribe to our Tip of the Day RSS feed, click here.
Safer Products
Make a Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a pump-spray bottle, clean, and rinse with a damp cloth. It really is that easy—and safe! For other great non-toxic cleaning recipes, download NRCM’s Clean and Healthy Housekeeping brochure. To view more tips, click here. To subscribe to our Tip of the Day RSS feed, click here. Read More
Cook with Safe Non-stick Pans
A pan covered with a non-stick coating such as Teflon can heat to more than 700 degrees in less than five minutes, releasing toxic gases including carcinogens. Avoid the risk by using enamel, cast-iron, or stainless steel cookware. Bonus: many cooks agree that these are a better for cooking and are more durable. To view Read More
The Magic Ingredient
Keep a bottle of vinegar (any kind) in your cupboard. You can use it to wash your windows, remove tough food residues from cookware, clear out plugged drains, remove mold from your bathroom grout, and more. To view more tips, click here. To subscribe to our Tip of the Day RSS feed, click here.
Scent Scense
Avoid perfumes and scented shampoo and soaps. Personal care products are largely unregulated and may contain phthalates that can affect reproductive health. A government study found that one of these chemicals, called dibutyl, was present in every person tested for industrial pollutants. Choosing unscented products reduces your risk. To view more tips, click here. To Read More
Maine DEP Commissioner Issues New Household Chemical Rules
Patricia Aho’s approval elevates four phthalates from ‘high concern’ to ‘priority chemical’ status in Maine. The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho has issued a ruling to elevate certain kinds of household chemicals to priority status. Aho’s approval elevates four phthalates from “high concern” Read More
Maine Voices: State Neglects Its Duty to Get the Lead Out of Children’s Environments
The impairment caused by a child breathing or ingesting even minuscule particles is irreversible. By Nicole Witherbee and Pamela Dietz Portland Press Herald op-ed Imagine three granules of sugar. That’s how little lead dust it takes to poison a child, causing lifelong learning and behavior problems. Yet current Maine law allows three times the federal Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 1045, An Act to Modify the Laws Regarding the Collection and Recycling of Mercury-added Thermostats
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 Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in opposition to LD 1045. While we oppose this bill, we do believe Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 397, “An Act Regarding the Packaging and Labeling of Disposable Cleaning and Personal Hygiene Products”
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 Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in support of LD 397. There is a strong case for requiring more Read More
