Those wanting to shop local and help save the lives of animals can do so with the return of FreeportUSA’s Freeport 10% tote bag.
A number of Freeport businesses are selling the reusable tote, with all proceeds benefiting the Coastal Humane Society.
Even more Freeport businesses are offering a 10-percent discount on purchases when a shopper uses the bag.
The Freeport 10% tote was introduced in 2013, in part, as a way to reduce the number of plastic bags coming into Freeport’s shopping community, according to FreeportUSA Executive Director Kelly Edwards.
Many Freeport businesses and residents are joining a movement that would see the town place a ban, or impose a fee, on single-use bags.
During a council meeting in April to discuss a possible bag ordinance, many complained that plastic shopping bags littering the environment were an eyesore that also had a detrimental and deadly impact on marine life. The town’s ordinance committee is taking up the matter.
The 10% tote is being supplied by Winter People, a Freeport business specializing in corporate branding.
“It was also a great way to raise money for nonprofits,” said Edwards.
Sales of the bags from 2013- 14 went to benefit Freeport Community Services.
This year, FreeportUSA’s board decided it wanted to support Brunswick-based Coastal Humane Society.
Coastal Humane serves 14 communities in the Midcoast, including Freeport, according to Joe Montisano, the society’s recently appointed executive director.
Montisano is asking that tote-carrying shoppers “come out and fill these stores” to support Coastal Humane’s mission to protect and save animals’ lives, to place animals in permanent homes and to advocate for their health and welfare.
Coastal Humane receives no federal or state funding, and town contracts make up less than 7 percent of what it costs to run its shelter.
The totes are available for purchase at the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, at the Freeport information centers on Main Street and at the Freeport train station. Stores selling the tote include: Bridgham & Cook British Goods Store, Casco Bay Cutlery & Kitchenware, Coastal Maine Popcorn, Earrings & Company, FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars, Harraseeket Inn’s Maine Harvest Dining Room, New Beginnings Consignment Boutique and Pet Pantry.
Go to FreeportUSA.com for a full list of the nearly 30 Freeport stores that offer the 10 percent discount.
For more information on Coastal Humane Society, its shelter and programs, go to www.coastalhumanesociety.org.
jswinconeck@timesrecord.com
Purrrfect time to get a cat
THE COASTAL Humane Society is waiving its adoption fees for all cats on Friday. Normally the adoption fee for an adult cat is between $30-$85, depending on the age of the animal. For more information, contact Coastal Humane Society at (207) 725-5051 or go to www.coastalhumanesociety.org.
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