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How green is MCA?

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:30:00 -0400

Protecting Maine’s natural heritage means not only embracing core values of environmental stewardship, but practicing them in both our home and work life. We’re pleased to share some of our organization’s practices in environmental responsibility:

Office Supplies

The average office worker uses about 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year or about 4 million tons of copy paper annually. That’s a lot of paper! Although paper is one of the top recyclables in the US, about 40% of paper still ends up in landfills. Our office is helping to change that number by using 100% post-consumer, fiber diverted from landfill (FDL), FSC-certified recycled paper. It may cost a little more, but every ton of paper that is recycled saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.

Most of our office supplies are from green or minority-owned businesses – even our trash can liners are composed of recycled plastics. All of our copy and print toner is recycled directly by the manufacturer.

Our water is supplied from Carrabassett Spring Water – a family owned Maine business that donates 5% of its pre-tax profits to charities in Maine. The water is transported in reusable, BPA-free recycled plastic containers.

All of our publications are printed on recycled paper. Our Investing in Maine’s Environment: A Trail Map to Prosperity 2010-2015 is printed on 100% post-consumer fiber on FSC-certified paper. We have made every effort to reduce excess printings and have made all of our publications online.

We believe that workers should have a stronger voice and receive a fair share of the economic growth they create: almost all of our print publications and stationary are from the only two union shops in Maine – Dale Rand and Atkins Printing. We have used them for years and we recommend that you do too for your next print job!

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

With increasing carbon emissions and gas prices, our staff is making every effort to reduce our footprint. We carpool to our events and some of our staff members will bike or walk to work or use public transportation. Our sister organization, Maine Conservation Voters, holds an annual Evening for the Environment event features local food, local (tap) water and purchases credits to offset its carbon footprint.

As the united voice for Maine’s environment, we aim to practice what we preach. We’re always looking for ideas or ways we can improve, so if you have a suggestion, send us an email at anne (at) protectmaine.org or share your story with us.

Protection of Maine’s rivers should be embraced

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:04:05 -0400

I ate lunch and sat on a bench overlooking the Kennebec River last week and watched local recreational fishermen try their luck off a boat launch and nearby docks. Sunny weather and absent winds contributed to the water’s glassy appearance.

SPLASH

An enormous sturgeon leaped out of the water within 20 feet of my bench and I drew back my hands as if it was about to steal my chicken caesar wrap or flop in my direction.

I had never seen a fish in the wild bigger than one or two feet in length. In fact, few people see sturgeon in the wild anymore, making the Kennebec a very special and important habitat for this anadromous fish.

The Kennebec is also home to another threatened species: Atlantic salmon. The Sun Journal reported today that a lawsuit filed by Friends of Merrymeeting Bay and Environment Maine will likely be heard and decided by federal Judge George Singal. The suit pits both environmental groups against Miller Hydro (owner of Worumbo Dam) and Topsham Hydro (operator of the Pejepscot Dam). Friends of Merrymeeting Bay and Environment Maine argue that Miller Hydro and Topsham Hydro are violating the Endangered Species Act because their turbines injure and kill Atlantic salmon.

The case puts Maine rivers and the importance of preserving Maine’s natural legacy back in the public spotlight. I hope that the case continues to gain publicity so that Mainer’s take some time to reflect on their genuinely special surroundings.

Sidewalk art

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:24:12 -0400

Our office (as well as others on Water Street in Augusta) were suprised with some thought-provoking sidewalk art today:

Maine is Rockin' the vote

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:54:57 -0400

In 2010, Maine received its razzie award from Forbes magazine as the worst state to do business. This one ranking was over-blown, over-used and over-cited by candidates and campaigns that it shadowed many of the other rankings that attract people to the state. The year before, Forbes listed Portland as the #1 most livable city in America (take that, New York!) and in 2011, Cumberland County was ranked in the top 10 by Businessweek as of one of the best affordable places to live across the country (again, take that New York!) Granted, these rankings are very southern-Maine centric. But here's a ranking that is state-wide and pretty rockin':

This month, Rock the Vote released its first ever scorecard that measured states on their state laws and voting systems. For those of you who don't remember days without apps and iphones, Rock the Vote began 20 years ago airing public service announcements (PSAs) on music entertainment TV stations like MTV, VH1 and BET. Their mission is to engage and build political power for young voters.

According to Rock the Vote, Maine is a pretty rockin' place to be when it comes to voting laws that encourage young voter participation. Of all 50 states, Maine is tied at lucky number 7.

Young voters can determine the fate of elections (can you say, President Obama?) and are important to advancing important environmental protections. Laws that support young voter participation create a better democratic system.

Maine may not be #1 in this ranking but it ain't #50 either. Of course, Rock the Vote based this report on laws before the session ended. With the passage of LD 1376, same-day voter registration was repealed. We'll see next year if Maine's back in the top 10 when it comes to voting.

blog

How green is MCA?

Protection of Maine’s rivers should be embraced

Sidewalk art

Maine is Rockin' the vote

Rock on.