I have been an animal- and nature-lover since I was a little girl. It comes as no surprise to those who know me to know how important the issue of protecting nature is to me.
Living and working in beautiful, coastal Maine is a gift…one we all must not take for granted. Our restaurant is located by the Sheepscot River, where guests sit at picnic tables enjoying their meals and the beautiful view of this working river. We must all do our part to ensure that our “gift” is protected.
Photo courtesy Deborah Gagnon, Red’s Eats
“It is well known that straws, like other plastics, never biodegrade.” Even so, the negative environmental impact of plastic straws may come as a surprise to many, given how small and thin the average straw is.
Millions of straws end up in the ocean, where fish and marine mammals can ingest the plastic. Studies show that an estimated 71 percent of seabirds and 30 percent of turtles have plastic in their stomachs. To see animals imprisoned in plastic and trash is so upsetting to me.
Photo courtesy of Mallory Brooke
It saddens and upsets me to see trash in our oceans, animals imprisoned in plastic and trash, and trash thrown without care all over our land. It saddens me to have to pick trash out of my horse’s baled hay…
I am so proud of and love our beautiful state of Maine. We cannot wait or think that “the other guy” will take care of this problem.we all have to “be the other guy.”
While paper straws may cost a little more, the feel-good emotion you get from a refreshing drink will only get better when you know your straw won’t have a negative impact on the environment.
Red’s Eats will pass out paper straws upon request, but hope that guests opt to drink their beverages, as most of us do at home, without a straw.
We have also purchased stainless steel dog water bowls for our canine guests, instead of using plastic bowls as we have in the past.
We will continue to focus on changing all plastic ware to eco-friendly options. It is our hope that the steps we all take will encourage and promote awareness.
We all have to do our part to be part of the solution.
I truly believe that every little bit we all do will make a difference.
I appreciate and applaud all who work to protect nature.
-Deborah Gagnon
Red’s Eats * Wiscasset, Maine
Excellent, Debbie! Well said. You truly are ahead of the curve and courageous to put Red’s Eats on the forefront of environmentally safe products. Your dad must be beaming with pride. Yes, Red’s Eats going green is a wonderful thing!
Thanks so much Anne!
Dear Deborah, I’ve rated your place (Red’s) on trip advisor and what I write was the truth. but I wanted to go into a little more detail. My wife and I have discovered Maine in 2008, since then come up there from New Jersey, 11 times. We have made it a point to stop at your father’s creation every time we visit. Ten times in all. The one time we missed was in February and you were closed and I hope, enjoying your time off.
One time we were in Leeds and another we were on the New Hampshire coast. Both times we drove to Wiscasset for the sole purpose of visiting your place. Always worth it.
Our last visit in August 2022, we came for lobster rolls and Puff dogs and were told you had some batter problems and were not making puff dogs. Upon seeing my disappointment, the young girl at the grill stepped up and said she would give them a try but couldn’t guarantee the outcome.
She made three, none were pretty but they tasted as good as my memory tells me they should.
Kudos to you and your staff for going all out to satisfy your customers.
Aside from the normal publicity thing, I though you should know personally just what your efforts mean to my wife and I.
Sorry for being long winded but I had to write.
Sincerely,
Bill Becker
Thank you so much Bill! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you for taking the time to write the review on Trip Advisor and then take the time to write this to me. It really means a lot. Thank you for all of your repeat visits….that’s the finest compliment ever! I will be sharing this with the staff as well. Thank you for recognizing them. I’m so proud of them. My best to you and your wife always!