* ENVIRONMENT

Is Artificial Light Poisoning the Planet?

That is the title of Adam Gopnik’s article in the Feberuary 27, 2023 issue of the New Yorker Magazine. Aacording to Sweedish ecologist Johan Eklof, most churches in southwest Sweden had bat colonies back in the nineteen-eighties, and now most of them don’t. Light pollution, his research suggests, has been a major culprit. READ MORE […]

** ENVIRONMENT

Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness Designated As New England’s First International Dark Sky Park

Susan Sharon reported on Maine Public the designation of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods property in the 100-Mile Wilderness between Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 with the goal of preserving and protecting the night skies for present and future generations. The […]

ENERGY ENVIRONMENT TIPS AND STRATEGIES

You can electrify your home — and your car — with the help of the U.S. government

As reported by Shannon Osaka in the Washington Post, there are “3 ways to tap billions in new money to go green.” As more fully described in the article ” On Jan. 1, middle-income households will be able to access over a half-dozen tax credits for electric stoves, cars, rooftop solar and more. And starting […]

ENERGY ENVIRONMENT FEATURED ARTICLES

New electric rates for heat pump and electric cars.

For those residents who have turned their heating to heat pumps, the new optional electric rates approved in the State of Maine may save you hundreds of dollars a year. However, According to the Press Herald ” [B]ut there’s a catch. You’ll only save money if you consume lots of electricity in the winter and […]

ENVIRONMENT FEATURED ARTICLES SUSTAINABILITY

Is that a gorgeous lawn or an “ecological dead zone?”

In a recent article that appeared in the New York Times reporter Cara Buckley described the legal battle Jeff and Janet Crouch, a Maryland couple, won against their neighborhood association that changed state law. The couple had chosen native plants instead of grass for their front yard to protect the local wild life. They were […]

ENVIRONMENT FEATURED ARTICLES

Gov. Janet Mills announced the $5.4 million in new state grants on the 2nd anniversary of Maine’s Climate Action Plan.

Penelope Overton reported in the Portland Press Herald an additional $5.4 million investment in clean energy projects benefiting 91 cities, towns and tribes in Maine. Governor Mills is quoted: “We are making unprecedented strides to embrace clean energy, to reduce carbon emissions, and to help our communities fight, at every level, the greatest danger of […]

** CLIMATE CHANGE ENERGY ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY

America’s first SOLAR TOWN

THIS IS WHAT SUSTAINABILITY IS ALL ABOUT! In a recent aerrticle broadcast in the internet by CNN, Rachel Ramirez relates how ” This 100% solar community (Babcok Ranch, Fla) endured Hurricane Ian with no loss of power and minimal damage … … Babcock Ranch in SW Florida calls itself “America’s first solar-powered town.” Its nearby […]

ENVIRONMENT

Be there …

Annual celebration on September 16th! The event will include a panel of local activists facilitated by Representative Chellie Pingree who will speak about the importance of activism to highlight the importance of intersectional and justice-centered solutions to the climate crisis! Read more

ENVIRONMENT OCEAN SUSTAINABILITY

A U Maine professor is researching how to destroy ‘forever chemicals’

Picture credit Mikael Seegen at Unsplash As described in “Environmental Health News” PFAS stands for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which contain a strong carbon-fluorine bond that allows them to accumulate over time in the environment and in the bodies of animals and people, posing health risks. PFAS chemicals might also be thought of as “everywhere chemicals,” […]

ENVIRONMENT OCEAN OGUNQUIT

A great app for cleaning our oceans. From the Ocean Conservancy

Clean Swell® makes it easy for anyone to make an impact on our ocean. When you head out to one of our beautiful beaches, use Clean Swell to be a part of long-lasting solutions. With this app, you can easily record each item of trash you collect, which helps scientists and advocates around the world […]