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
Plastic Pollution
NRCM is working hard to bring plastic pollution solutions to Maine. Together, we can reduce Maine’s impact on this catastrophic global problem and provide inspiration for others around the world.
Plastic pollution in Maine is a more devastating problem than you may think. Plastic is present throughout the environment everywhere on earth. Maine is no exception. Plastic is polluting our waterways, coastlines, forests, and open spaces, choking wildlife, and making its way into the food web.
The sources of plastic pollution in Maine are unnervingly diverse, and the flow of plastic into the environment is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, it is increasing. The amount of plastic litter we can see is astounding, but even more worrisome is the staggering amount of plastic pollution we cannot see—so-called microplastic. A growing body of evidence is revealing plastic pollution’s devastating impact on our health and the environment.
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
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
Plastics are on Track to Overtake Our Oceans Unless We Make Big Changes
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial Most of us don’t give much thought to where our trash goes. We’d better start paying attention, though, especially to the ubiquitous plastic refuse we toss aside every day. Scientists predict that by 2050 there will be more plastic, by weight, than fish in the world’s Read More
Freeport Approves Ban on Single-use Plastic Bags
The ordinance prohibits disposable plastic shopping bags and includes a 5-cent fee on paper bags. By Peter McGuire, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story FREEPORT — Voters approved a townwide ban on disposable plastic shopping bags Tuesday, joining a number of Maine communities putting restrictions on the items. Residents approved the ban 804-501, about Read More
Activists Pushing for Vote on Banning Plastic Bags in Freeport
A Town Council-supported ballot question, meanwhile, will ask voters to consider a minimal fee on paper and plastic bags. By Peter McGuire, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story FREEPORT — Activists are pushing for a referendum to ban disposable plastic grocery bags in town, arguing that a different ballot question supported by the Town Read More
Brunswick Bans Foam Food Packaging Starting Oct. 1
By Walter Wuthmann The Forecaster news story BRUNSWICK — The Town Council on Monday unanimously approved a ban on polystyrene foam packaging, making Brunswick the fourth community in the region to prohibit most food retailers from using the material. The vote reflected a public hearing and process virtually devoid of opposition. “The expression in support Read More
Bag Free, Plastic Foam Ban Take Effect Tuesday in South Portland
The City Council approved the ordinances unanimously last September. By Kelley Bouchard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story SOUTH PORTLAND — Two new ordinances take effect Tuesday, imposing a ban on plastic foam food containers and a 5-cent fee on all single-use paper or plastic shopping bags. The City Council approved the ordinances unanimously Read More
York Prepares for Start of Plastic Bag Ban
Chamber moves to help businesses By Deborah McDermott Seacoast Online news story YORK, Maine — Now that the first-in-the-state ordinance banning single-use plastic bags has been approved, the town’s business leaders, citizens and officials are shifting gears and preparing for the March 1 effective date. Residents last week approved the ordinance by a vote of Read More
