It may be common practice in your household at this point to toss your used paper, plastic and foil into the mixed-use recycling bin and to haul it out the curb (or recycling center) once a week. But what about those larger-ticket items that just don’t seem right to throw away? Chances are, they can…
Banish boredom with these fun ideas for bird feeders made out of recycled and household items. Bird feeders are a great craft project to make with kids of all ages any time of year—and they provide entertainment for everyone in the family as you watch the birds flock to your yard. Some of the steps…
Did you know organic waste comprises about 40 percent of what goes into the average Maine trash can, and about half of that is food waste? That’s nearly a quarter of your trash that could instead be converted into nutrient-dense compost or farm fertilizer. The state has set a goal to recycle half of the…
By Tim King HERE IN MAINE, and around the world, it would be difficult to find an organization that is doing more—quite often with less than you might imagine—to resolve the severe shortage of safe, decent and affordable housing for people in need, than Habitat for Humanity. Genesis and the birth of a radical idea:…
By Bob Keyes AS A CHILD, Nisa Smiley traveled once a year from her home in Vermont to Deer Isle for a family vacation. The weeks and days leading up to packing the car and driving over the mountains to the Maine coast were filled with anticipation and excitement. “‘The Little Mermaid’ was my favorite…
Awards Honor Individuals, Organizations or Businesses Who Demonstrated Commitment to Environmental Sustainability in 2015 PORTLAND, MAINE – (March 24, 2016) Scarborough High School’s Environmental Club “ECOS” and Portland’s East Brown Cow Management captured the 2016 awards for overall excellence at this year’s eco-Excellence Awards on March 23. “We are proud to recognize both of these…
It’s hard to keep track sometimes of what can be recycled and where. Curbside and single sort recycling has helped recycling rates considerably. But what about CFL light bulbs, Mercury thermostats, computers and other electronics? The Maine Department of Environmental Protection publishes a searchable map that lists drop off locations statewide for these items and…
Electronic waste (“e-waste”) is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Brought on by the production of cheaper electronics, rapidly advancing technology, and the emergence of popular electronic gadgets, the consumption of electronics is dramatically increasing, while the lifespan of electronics is becoming relatively short. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the…
Composting is a natural process that transforms discarded kitchen and yard waste into a nutrient rich soil additive for your garden. It’s easy to get started and you’ll be amazed at how much less waste you produce when you compost your kitchen and yard waste. What’s needed for a healthy compost pile? A healthy compost…
By Amanda Beal, Guest Columnist Did you know that close to 40% of all food produced globally is wasted, and in the U.S., the greatest share of loss happens in the hands of consumers? As we become increasingly concerned about how to healthily and sustainably feed a growing population, this issue of food waste becomes…