Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Ryan Parker and I am the Environmental Policy Outreach Coordinator for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify Neither For Nor Against LD 57. The problems created by single-use disposable bags Read More
Sustainability
Our vision of sustainability in Maine is ensuring a healthy future for life on Earth. Maine’s clean and healthy environment strengthens the state’s economy and is central to our way of life. Holding polluting corporations accountable through systemic changes in local, state, and federal policies is the key to creating a more healthy, prosperous, sustainable future for us all.
The Costs of Buying Food We Throw Out
By Bonnie Washuk, Staff Writer Sun Journal news story It’s almost Christmas, a time traditionally to not only spend money on gifts and decorations but also on food for feasts and gatherings. Want to save some easy money during this budget-busting season? Don’t buy food and throw it away. That’s the message from a host Read More
In Fashion, Fickle Trends and Low Prices Translate to Enormous Waste
First we waste time shopping, then organizing overstuffed closets. Soon, we tire of the look and toss clothes away, generating guess what? More waste. by Ellen Taylor Portland Press Herald feature EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth in a monthly five-part series about a group of professors and staff at the University of Maine at Read More
Saco Council Considers Banning Plastic Shopping Bags
By Gilllian Graham, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The Saco City Council is considering a proposal to ban single-use plastic shopping bags and require a 5-cent charge for paper bags. Supporters of the bag ban say plastic is not biodegradable, creates litter and is especially harmful to sensitive marine ecosystems, but other councilors Read More
Girl Scouts of Maine Unveils New Sustainability Patch
Bangor Daily News news story The Girl Scouts of Maine unveiled a new Sustainable Maine Patch Program Tuesday aimed at giving Girl Scout members an incentive to increase awareness of a statewide paint recycling program. With the unveiling of its new Sustainable Maine Patch Program Tuesday, the Girl Scouts of Maine is encouraging its members Read More
Girl Scouts of Maine Increase Awareness about How to Recycle Paint
WGME-TV news story Watch full news video. AUGUSTA (WGME) – The Girl Scouts of Maine are partnering with the Natural Resources Council to make a difference by cleaning up our communities. The goal is for the scouts to increase awareness about how to safely recycle paint. Participating in the program will earn them a new Read More
Girl Scouts, NRCM Team Up to Promote New Way to Safely Recycle Paint in Maine
Unveil new “Sustainable ME” Girl Scout Patch News Release Today, the Girl Scouts of Maine and the Natural Resources Council of Maine announced and unveiled a new program— the first ever “Sustainable Maine” patch—to be earned by Girl Scouts who take personal actions toward a more sustainable future. This year’s goal is for Girl Scouts Read More
Bay Stewards Challenge Belfast to ‘Ban the Bag’
By Ethan Andrews, staff writer Republican Journal news story Belfast — “Remember when everyone used to smoke in restaurants?” Ned Lightner asked recently. He had been talking about his work with Ban the Bag in Belfast, a volunteer movement to do away with single-use plastic bags in the city. There was plenty to say about Read More
Cutting Down the Volume of Household Trash Begins at the Grocery Store
by Kati Corlew Portland Press Herald news story EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a monthly four-part series about a group of professors at the University of Maine at Augusta undertaking the Zero-Waste Challenge. Can they live without generating any trash for the landfill or incinerator? I’m in the grocery store frowning. A group Read More