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
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.
Monarch Butterfly Eyed for Possible US Endangered Species Protection
By Laura Zuckerman, Reuters Bangor Daily News news story Monarch butterflies may warrant U.S. Endangered Species Act protection because of farm-related habitat loss blamed for sharp declines in cross-country migrations of the orange-and-black insects, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Monday. Monarch populations are estimated to have fallen by as much as 90 percent Read More
Portland Leads in Tackling Cigarette Butt Litter
NRCM news release Portland, ME – Today, business, city, and environmental leaders joined together to roll-out a new initiative to install and manage “Sidewalk Buttlers,” throughout downtown Portland to remove, reduce, and recycle the cigarette butts that are littering our city streets and polluting Casco Bay. Cigarette butts are a significant source of litter, and Read More
Mid Coast Hospital Adds Compost to Environmentally Friendly Practices
Boosting its environmentally friendly practices at the start of this month, Mid Coast Hospital began a composting program that reduces the amount of garbage disposed of into the waste stream, while supplying nutrient rich soil for gardening and landscaping. “As part of our commitment to the health and well being of the community, we strive Read More
Ogunquit Leads the Way with Ordinance Banning Pesticides
By Jay Feldman and Katherine Paul, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Rachel Carson would be proud of the Mainers in Ogunquit who on Election Day passed a ballot initiative, with 60 percent of the vote, to ban toxic pesticide use on lawns and landscapes within the town’s jurisdiction. As if guided by Read More
2014 NRCM Conservation Leadership Awards Announced, Including Lifetime Achievement Award for Wellehans
NRCM news release Augusta, ME – The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), the state’s leading nonprofit membership organization working to protect Maine’s land, air, water, and wildlife, has named its 2014 Conservation Leadership Award winners. Award recipients will be honored at a special event Wednesday, October 15 from 5–7:00 p.m., at Maple Hill Farm 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
Preserve Maine’s Role in Protecting Our Kids from Toxic Chemicals
By Janet Mills, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Ever wonder what’s in that baby bottle your infant uses? The teether she chews on? The toys your kids climb on and fall on, and the ones they put in their mouths? More and more families are concerned about health and safety as kids’ Read More
Divided Portland Council Bans Polystyrene Containers, Adds Fees on Paper and Plastic Bags
By Seth Koenig, BDN Staff Bangor Dailiy News news story PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland City Council voted late Monday night to implement a ban on polystyrene food containers, as well as tack a five-cent fee onto paper and plastic bags customers take from check-out lines. Both moves were panned by business groups, who lamented Read More
