By Deborah McDermott Seacoastonline.com news story YORK – York could be among the pioneers in Maine, and even across the nation, in creating an ordinance to charge retail customers to use single-use plastic or paper bags. Portland has passed a similar measure, and Falmouth and Brunswick/Topsham are also exploring an ordinance, as are city councilors Read More
sustainability
Bill to Ban Microbeads in Maine Backed by Both Sides
In a rare alignment, manufacturers and environmentalists join to help the measure sail easily through committee. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A bill that would ban soaps, shampoos and other consumer products containing tiny plastic “microbeads” in Maine sailed through a legislative committee Wednesday after manufacturers and environmentalists made a Read More
Support of LD 85, An Act to Prohibit Synthetic Plastic Microbeads in Personal Care Products and Over-the-counter Drugs
Senator Saviello, Representative Welsh, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Policy Advocate for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in support of LD 85. There is a strong case for phasing out Read More
Reusable Bag Ordinance
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
South Portland Charges Ahead with Going ‘Green’
The city leases electric cars, installs power-up stations and plans a solar farm as it accelerates its environmental sustainability efforts. By Kelley Bouchard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story SOUTH PORTLAND — The Nissan Leaf barely hummed as City Manager Jim Gailey drove along Highland Avenue, turned onto Evans Street and pulled into the Read More
It’s Time to Stop Compromising on Environment Sustainability
by Stephen Mulkey Kennebec Journal op-ed So now what? Clearly we are in deep trouble and truly meaningful environmental progress in the near term is no longer a reasonable expectation. Compromise and wonky engagement continue to fail. Expecting progress on climate change and sustainability from Congress is off the table, now and possibly for the 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
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
Portland Passes a Bag Free and Styrofoam Ban
WCSH-6 news story PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Portland has become the first community in Maine to impose a surcharge on disposable bags and one of the first in New England to regulate both bags and polystyrene coffee cups and food containers. Beginning in April of 2015, customers at grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers Read More