The City of Portland is developing a well-deserved reputation as one of the most sustainable cities in the nation. This reputation hasn’t happened overnight, or without the help of many of the citizens, businesses, and progressive thinkers in and around Maine’s largest city. A few months ago, the Natural Resources Council of Maine released an Read More
sustainability
South Portland Considers Zoning Changes to Promote, Regulate Solar Arrays
If the City Council approves the amendments, the city will become a model for other Maine communities and join a growing number of U.S. cities that have taken similar steps. By Kelley Bouchard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story SOUTH PORTLAND — City planning officials have proposed sweeping zoning changes that would both promote Read More
Next Generation Takes Action to Help Ban Single-use Foam Containers in Brunswick
Last year as a junior in high school I took an environmental science course where I was asked to assess an environmental issue of importance to my town. I chose to look at plastics bags and the impact a five-cent fee would have on the residents and businesses in Brunswick. As part of my research Read More
Going Green in the Golden Years
Environmentally friendly retirement communities are sprouting up around the country as retiring baby boomers get serious about sustainability. By Meredith Goad, Staff Writer Maine Sunday Telegram news story FALMOUTH — When Bill and Margot Gatchell come in from sea kayaking, they warm up in a home that’s heated by 14 solar panels. When they want Read More
Leaders Speak Out on Maine Town/City Climate Actions
On Eve of Earth Day, When World Leaders to Sign Historic Paris Climate Agreement NRCM news release Today, standing in the warm sunshine in front of a wood-heated school complex, covered with a large solar electric-producing array, leaders from Maine towns described their actions to combat climate change and move towards a low-carbon, resilient and Read More
Thirty Acre Farm; Farming and Fermenting to Make Maine More Sustainable
Jane and Simon Frost know full well how valuable old time traditions can be in our new, fast paced world. In addition to owning and operating Thirty Acre Farm in Whitefield, the Frosts are helping to preserve (excuse the pun) the ancient tradition of fermenting food for preservation and health. Fermentation is an amazing, and Read More
Teaching the Next Generation the Value of Composting and Reducing Waste
When I first started teaching at South Portland High School in 2000, one of the teachers was unable to incorporate the school’s fledgling recycling program into her classroom and asked if I wanted to take up the task. I was immediately interested because I had worked to implement recycling programs when I attended Stonehill College Read More
Reuse—Recycle— Remember
My dad, Clarence E. Gray, lived in Maine from the time he was a teenager and had to drop out of school and go to work in the Westbrook paper mill to help support his family. Later he was drafted into WWII, and before shipping out, worked in the shipyard in South Portland. He had Read More
Other Pay-As-You-Throw Resources
PowerPoint presentation by the Natural Resources Council of Maine Payasyouthrow.org: A great national resource on PAYT WasteZero: This company helps towns reduce waste through trash metering and it also manufactures PAYT bags. “Cutting Trash in Half in Maine”: An article on PAYT from The Maine Townsman