Maine Environment Fall 2019: What’s Inside! In this issue of Maine Environment, we feature an important story by NRCM Sustainable Maine Director Sarah Nichols about the fundamental problems Maine is facing in regard to recycling materials, and how we can fix it through an extended producer responsibility for packaging policy reform. Sarah talks about a new Read More
product stewardship
Fixing Fundamental Problems with Recycling
Recycling is one of the key ways we can keep materials out of landfills and conserve our natural resources. For decades, Maine people have developed a strong recycling ethic because they want to do the right thing. However, many are losing access to recycling programs due to changes in the recycled commodities markets. This is Read More
A Fresh Perspective on Recycling Responsibility
Municipalities and taxpayers in the United States have been footing the bill for recycling programs for too long. It is a funding model that is rooted in a time when our wastes were much simpler. The problem today is that our waste stream is more complex than it has ever been. It is filled with Read More
Testimony in Support of LD 1649, An Act To Implement DEP Recommendations Regarding the State’s Product Stewardship Framework Laws
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, 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 (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak in favor of LD 1649. NRCM was a strong supporter of Maine’s Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 1668, An Act To Implement Recommendations of DEP Regarding the State’s Mercury-added Lamp Law
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, 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 (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to support LD 1668, which would greatly enhance the performance of Maine’s existing mercury-added Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 1594, An Act To Establish a Stewardship Program for Consumer Batteries
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, 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 (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak in support of LD 1594, which would protect our rechargeable battery stewardship Read More
Support of LD 1460, An Act To Support Collection and Proper Disposal of Unwanted Drugs
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, 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 (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you in support of LD 1460, which would help Mainers dispose Read More
Support of LD 710, Resolve, To Require DEP to Study Establishment of Product Stewardship Program for Mattresses
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, 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 (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you in support of LD 710. NRCM is a strong advocate Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 1431, Resolve, To Support Municipal Recycling Programs
Senator Carson, Representative Tucker, 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 (NRCM). I appreciate this opportunity to speak in support of LD 1431, which may be the most important and Read More
