Organizing a trash cleanup will only make a tiny dent in all the plastic we toss, but it’s still a great opportunity to care for the environment, get some steps in, and connect with friends and neighbors. They also highlight the detrimental effects that plastic has on our planet! Here’s a guide to plan yours.
“We can’t let polluters trample on the public’s right to oppose projects that put their health and environment at risk,” said CLF attorney Nora Bosworth. “This law ensures communities get a chance to make their voices heard and places critical safeguards around Casella’s dangerous plans to expand this landfill. Preventing these forever chemicals from continuing to poison the Penobscot River means protecting a water source sacred to the culture and livelihood of the Penobscot Nation.”
“Methane pollution is over 80 times more dangerous than carbon dioxide in driving the climate crisis,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste attorney at CLF. “The main culprit of this pollution is decomposing food scraps in landfills, and this bill offers a logical solution to this problem. It’s time for Maine to catch up with the rest of New England and embrace a better solution for our food waste.”
“This is exactly the type of calamity that community members feared,” said CLF attorney Nora Bosworth. “Casella has a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of the community in all of its operations. The company has failed in that duty.”
In most states, bottle return programs don’t cover wine bottles. So, our options for recycling them are limited. That means they end up mixed with trash or littering our communities. But there’s a simple solution: expand bottle bills.
Food waste in Connecticut is taking a toll in our communities and the environment. Learn how stronger food waste laws can help us reduce toxic emissions and fight food insecurity.
“Advanced recycling is nothing more than a flashy PR campaign from the plastic industry,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “These facilities pollute communities and perpetuate environmental racism. This commonsense bill will ensure that any advanced recycling facility is subject to Maine state regulations, and Governor Mills should sign it into law.”
Rhode Island has a litter problem. Learn how passing a bottle bill can make a difference for our communities and the environment.
“Single-use containers are a scourge on our communities and choke our waters with litter,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “Updated bottle and can redemption systems are a proven way to reduce plastic pollution and ensure that these materials are recycled into new products. Vermont has missed a serious opportunity to slash pollution and protect our environment today.”
How does your state stack up in this report card? Could your elected officials be doing more to cut litter and keep bottles out of landfills?
