Grocers and other businesses get prepared, with two ‘green packaging’ policies passed by city councilors last June scheduled to take effect April 15. By Eric Russell and Kevin Miller, Staff Writers Portland Press Herald news story Portland businesses are phasing out foam containers and gearing up to charge customers a nickel for disposable shopping bags Read More
sustainability
Support of LD 468, An Act to Prohibit the Use of Certain Disposable or Polystyrene Food Service Containers
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 on LD 468. NRCM believes that a strong case can be made for Read More
Bill to Ban Microbeads in Maine Backed by Both Sides
In a rare alignment, manufacturers and environmentalists join to help the measure sail easily through committee. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A bill that would ban soaps, shampoos and other consumer products containing tiny plastic “microbeads” in Maine sailed through a legislative committee Wednesday after manufacturers and environmentalists made a Read More
Support of LD 85, An Act to Prohibit Synthetic Plastic Microbeads in Personal Care Products and Over-the-counter Drugs
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 Policy Advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in support of LD 85. There is a strong case for phasing out Read More
Reusable Bag Ordinance
Single-use disposable shopping bags are one of the most commonly used and quickly discarded items in our communities. When stores routinely hand out an unlimited number of single-use disposable bags, we end up creating a lot of unnecessary waste. Simply reminding people that it’s a good idea to shop with reusable bags isn’t enough to Read More
Comments on DEP Application for a Determination of Public Benefit For a Landfill to be Located in Argyle Township or Greenbush
I am submitting these comments on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, which has a strong interest in Maine’s Solid Waste Management Policy. In that context, we believe that this proposal comes at a time when DEP’s decision will determine the direction and tone of our State’s Materials Management efforts moving forward.¹ We Read More
Comments in Support of the Expanded Polystyrene Foam Ban Ordinance and the Ordinance to Institute Fees on Single-Use Disposable Bags
Good evening Mayor Brennan and members of the Council. My name is Sarah Lakeman, I am the Sustainable Maine Policy Advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am speaking as a Portland resident and on behalf of NRCM’s more than 16,000 members and supporters, of which more than 1,100 live in Portland. I Read More
Waterville’s Pay-as-you-throw Trash Plan Evokes Criticism, Praise
Detractors cite increased costs for individual residents, while proponents note then environmental benefits and municipal savings. By Rachel Ohm, Staff Writer Morning Sentinel news story WATERVILLE — With city officials looking to convert solid waste disposal to a pay-as-you-throw system, residents are divided over the pros and cons of such a scheme. Some say it Read More
Five Cents for a Disposable Bag? No Thanks, I’ve Brought My Own!
We all want to see fewer plastic bags dangling in our trees, flapping on our fences, polluting our oceans, and clogging up our storm drains—it’s how to solve this problem that’s cause for debate. Some people suggest that we should ban plastic bags altogether, that way there won’t be any to be littered. Others say Read More
