Steps include reducing waste, learning what is accepted locally and redeeming beverage containers. by Sarah Lakeman, Special to the Press Herald Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — Global recycling markets are changing, and cities and towns across Maine are responding – some by abandoning their recycling programs. This is a big wake-up call that will… Continue Reading
sustainability
Two Maine Mayors Urge Congress to Reject Effort to Undo Local Pesticides Restrictions
The Portland and South Portland officials write that the provision in a House farm bill tramples on their right to protect their cities. by Randy Billings, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The mayors of Portland and South Portland are urging Congress to reject a provision in a wide-ranging farm bill that would nullify… Continue Reading
Waterville Council to Consider Overriding Mayor’s Veto on Plastic Bag Referendum
by Amy Calder, Staff Writer Central Maine Newspapers news story WATERVILLE — At least three out of six city councilors say they will vote Tuesday to override Mayor Nick Isgro’s veto of a vote the council took earlier this month to place on the November ballot a request to enact a plastic bag ordinance that… Continue Reading
Plastic Waste is Everywhere. Here are Some Ideas for Mainers to Reduce Their Use of It.
By Abigail Curtis, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story Shlomit Auciello of Rockland hasn’t bought plastic wrap, or new Tupperware-style plastic containers, in decades. She avoids using microfiber fleece and washes plastic bags to reuse them again and again. She knows that makes her a bit quirky by modern American standards, but she hopes… Continue Reading
Camden Considering Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags
Select Board to hold public hearing August 21 by Brian P. D. Hannon Free Press news story The Camden Board of Selectmen voted August 7 to hold a public hearing on two container proposals with potential environmental impact. The hearing will be held during the board’s next regular meeting, on Tuesday, August 21, starting at… Continue Reading
What You Can Do about the Unfolding Recycling Crisis
It’s been more than a year since China announced that they will no longer buy the world’s contaminated recyclables, and we are feeling the effects here in Maine. Unless the baled recycled materials (stuff we put in our household recycling bins, among other sources of recyclables) meet a very strict, almost perfect, quality standard—only 0.05%… Continue Reading
September 8, 2018: Portland Greenfest, Portland
Fifth Annual Portland GreenFest Saturday, September 8th in Portland’s Monument Square Thanks to all who stopped by to speak with Natural Resources Council of Maine staff at Portland Greenfest on Saturday, September 8th in Portland’s Monument Square! GreenFest is southern Maine’s premiere annual eco-fair featuring music, art, eco-fashion, local food, kids’ activities, exhibits, workshops, films, and… Continue Reading
Maine State Prison Growing Food
Inmates are growing gardens, and gardens are growing them. Gardens offer so many metaphors for the ups and downs of life, and the inmates at Maine State Prison are getting the chance to experience them first hand. In a partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, a new gardening program gives some inmates the… Continue Reading
Persuasive 2nd-Grader Prompts Portland to Ban Plastic Straws in City Hall Cafe
The city manager says he’s happy to implement ‘Phoebe’s Rule’ banning plastic straws, and hopes that others will do the same. by Julie Pike, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Portland has joined the growing backlash against disposable plastic straws by ending their use in the Clock Tower Cafe at City Hall. The move… Continue Reading
