Over the years, we have become increasingly accustomed — and conditioned — to eating with single-use plastic forks, knives and spoons when ordering takeout and enjoying ourselves at family celebrations, parties and public events. This practice is inherently unsustainable, so disposable utensils made from organic materials — and thus biodegradable, compostable or even edible — […]
sustainability
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Learning sustainability from other countries, Part 1
While the political winds in Washington may shift like weather vanes, citizens around the globe remain steadfast in their concern for our shared planet. Meaningful environmental action doesn’t always require government leadership, as we can learn from New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment. Years ago, they published an inspiring call to action: 21 practical steps […]
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Posted inFood, Green Plate Special
Reduce the amount of meat in your diet with a gentle flexitarian approach
We’ve got a few tips to get you started, plus a tasty recipe for Extra Crispy Baked Orange Tofu with Broccolini that makes a strong case for meatless meals.
Posted inTimes Record
Sustainable refill shop to close its Brunswick location this month
GoGo Refill will close its Midcoast storefront this weekend.
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Tools to make your dishwashing more sustainable
Choosing accessories for sustainable dishwashing means identifying affordable alternatives to plastic and other synthetic substances. Happily, the wide range of eco-friendly dishwashing tools simplifies the matter. Commonly available sponges are often made partly or entirely of plastic and may incorporate toxic chemicals in their dyes, disinfectants or glues. Such sponges emit these substances into our […]
Posted inNorthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Falmouth Land Trust embarks on sustainable trail restoration
With the help of volunteers and the expertise of Town 4 Trail Services, a sustainable trail design and construction company, Falmouth Land Trust has begun updating their trails with climate-resilient strategies.
Posted inSouth Portland Sentry
Our Sustainable City: Extended producer responsibility in Maine
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by excessive packaging waste, you are not alone. Maine has been a leader in enacting Extended Producer Responsibility or “product stewardship” laws, which have a proven track record of saving taxpayer dollars, reducing waste and protecting our environment. Unlike traditional trash and recycling programs, which are managed and funded by municipal governments, […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Dishwashing decisions affect sustainability
Our previous column showed that choosing one’s soaps and detergents can be complicated. Deciding whether to wash by hand or to use a dishwasher is similarly fraught because one’s usage of water and energy can render either method sustainable — or not. Washing up manually can involve lots of water. According to New York City’s […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Books, Life & Culture
‘A Sand County Almanac’ remains an environmental classic at 75
Aldo Leopold’s book is a landmark of both nature writing and American philosophical thought.
Posted inSouth Portland Sentry
Our Sustainable City: Rise of the repair fair – volunteers needed
Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. This saying perfectly captures the essence of “Yankee frugality,” the deeply rooted New England tradition of making things last as long as possible. The regional values of practicality, resourcefulness and longevity have led to a strong do-it-yourself culture and the passing on of […]