Environmental Solutions 2024

Climate Change in Maine: What Maine’s Climate Action Plan Means for You

BY CRYSTAL SANDS

Whether it was the record-breaking year of heat on our planet or the growing danger of storms here in Maine, climate change is a topic that is on most of our minds in one way or another. While we may treasure the milder winters and longer growing seasons here in Maine due to climate change, we face many obstacles as a state. It is with this in mind that Maine’s Climate Council has developed a four-year plan to address climate change in our state.

Maine’s Pressing Issues

Maine’s Climate Council reports focus on the different regions of Maine. While some aspects of climate change impact all of us in similar ways, the different regions of Maine are also experiencing some unique impacts. For Central Maine, the climate council focuses on seven key areas of impact — landscape, infrastructure, health, ecosystems, heritage and natural resource industries, recreation, and the economy.

Landscape

In our area, winters are shorter and summers are longer by about two weeks. While this has increased the growing season here in Maine, which seems like a perk for farmers and growers, this shift has also increased the number of killing frosts in the spring. Warmer temperatures early cause trees to awaken and flowers to bloom. When a fruit tree has begun to blossom, a frost can be devastating. The negative impact of these killing frosts can be felt on both an individual and industry level.

Infrastructure

Central Maine is seeing an increase in intense downpours, where a large amount of rain falls in a fairly short time. This leads to flooding and damage to everything from culverts to bridges. This flooding also puts people’s homes, septic systems, homesteads, farms, and more at risk.

Health

The heat has a negative impact on our health here in Central Maine. As the number of days over 90 degrees rises each year (climate models predict a two- to four-fold increase in “extreme” heat days by 2050), Mainers may experience some negative health effects from this heat. In an area where there are still many homes without air conditioning, extreme heat days put people at risk. The extreme heat also puts people who work outdoors at risk of heat-related illnesses.

Ecosystems

According to Maine’s Climate Council, “Forests cover nearly 89% of Maine and sequester over 60% of the state’s annual carbon emissions.” Climate change puts our forest systems at risk. While some areas may thrive, other areas may struggle under extreme stressors of drought and a rise in invasive species.

Heritage and Natural Resource Industries

Maine’s forest industry is an 8-to-10-billion-dollar industry, and climate change presents challenges for both the forests and the industry. Forest road use is expected to become challenging and costly as we see a decline in the number of frozen days each year, and it is important to note that, according to the council’s report, “Maine has some of the highest densities of non-native forest pests in the U.S.”

Recreation

Maine is Vacationland, and recreation in our region is not only important economically but also to our quality of life. Warmer temperatures each winter mean ice is disappearing making activities like ice fishing more dangerous. The lack of snowpack also limits skiing and snowmobiling. Warmer waters in our region impact the survival of many species of fish.

Economy

The negative impacts on our recreation also have a negative impact on our economy. The lack of winter recreation in our area impacts a variety of small businesses, from restaurants to lodging and bars. The changing climate also impacts agriculture and can pose challenges for Maine’s farmers.

Maine’s Plans for Addressing Climate Change Issues

Maine’s plan for addressing the impacts of climate change in our state focuses on reducing greenhouse emissions, avoiding costs related to inaction, fostering economic opportunity, and advancing equity. Maine’s plan emphasizes green transportation, energy efficiency, and improved weatherization to reduce our overall greenhouse emissions. The goal is to decrease emissions by 45% by 2030. To help avoid the great costs of

inaction when it comes to climate change, the plan centers around creating safeguards to protect our communities and infrastructure because, without action, Maine is looking at $17.5 billion dollars in damage from sea level rise alone.

The good news is that shifting our focus to clean energy and improved infrastructure can create good jobs, and Maine’s Climate Council also emphasizes the need to keep our energy expenditures within the state. Finally, one of the goals of any plan to address climate change has to be equity because climate change has the greatest impact on low-income communities who are more vulnerable to the consequences.

What Mainers Can Do to Help

In many ways, any information that is summarized about climate change impact and action is going to be simplified, but it can also feel overwhelming when we think about the details of what is happening in our state and what work must be done to be better prepared for a changing future. However, one of the healthiest things we can do for our mindsets is take action.

According to Maine’s Climate Council, transportation accounts for 49% of Maine’s fossil fuel emissions, so the way we get from one place to another is important. In addition to federal tax credits for elective vehicles (EVs), Efficiency Maine offers rebates that vary from $500 to $7,500 depending upon your income. If you are not interested in an EV, there are ways to be conscientious about the way we drive, such as running multiple errands at once to avoid multiple trips into town, ride sharing when possible, and taking public transportation when it is available.

Maine’s Climate Council also offers information on ways that we, as individuals, can help. Right now, there are federal tax incentives and numerous Maine programs to help Mainers make a greener home, which will not only cut down on greenhouse emissions but can also save money and create greater comfort during our longer and hotter summers. For example, Efficiency Maine has programs to help homeowners purchase and install heat pumps in their homes. While the funds available to individuals vary by income level, there is some help for everyone with extensive help for lower-income families. Efficiency Maine also has programs to help with weatherization and water heating, and you can find out more at effiencymaine.com.

Connecting Conserved Lands to Support a Healthy Ecosystem

COURTESY OF RANGELEY LAKES HERITAGE TRUST

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has a vision to create a mosaic of connected conserved lands across the landscape supporting healthy, functioning ecosystems that benefit wildlife, the community, and future generations. They strive to actively conserve ecologically significant land, maintain public access, catalyze conservation, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and manage healthy, climate-resilient forests.

Among RLHT’s current projects is the Kennebago Headwaters, a pioneering effort to conserve and restore fish and wildlife habitats of national and global importance. The goal of this project is to promote watershed connectivity, enhance in-stream habitat, establish essential riparian buffers, and bolster climate resilience. The Kennebago watershed supports one of the most resilient, self-sustaining wild Eastern Brook Trout populations in Maine. The presence of welloxygenated surficial groundwater, deep water lakes, and miles of connected streams, combined with high elevation, create a quality habitat that Brook Trout require to thrive.

Though much of the Kennebago seems to be unspoiled wilderness, there is a long history of manipulating the watershed’s natural systems to accommodate industrial forest operations, including the log drives of yesteryear. In 1891, the Kennebago Improvement Corporation was established in Section 4 of Maine’s private and special laws. This gave the Kennebago Improvement Corporation authorization to construct

dams, side dams, booms, side booms, and sluices, to improve the river to facilitate the driving of logs including the blasting, removal of rocks, logs, ledges, and any other obstacles. These activities made the river conducive to log driving but also severely degraded the aquatic habitat.

Stream crossings are another hazard to a healthy aquatic ecosystem. A network of roads intersect the watershed, and many culverts pose barriers to aquatic organisms. Replacing these barriers is one of the first steps to reconnecting and restoring miles of Brook Trout spawning, rearing, and thermal refuge habitat. In a changing climate, deep coldwater lakes and headwater streams offer a retreat from rising water temperatures.

In August of 2023, RLHT, in partnership with the USFWS Gulf of Maine Coastal Program, replaced two undersized culverts with openbottomed bridges. These two projects reconnected more than seven miles of upstream habitat for Brook Trout. An additional five aquatic organism passage projects are planned for 2024 and 2025. RLHT has also partnered with Trout Unlimited to complete just under three miles of strategic wood additions to enhance instream habitat, with another five and a half miles of strategic wood additions planned in the future.

Anyone who wants to learn more about RLHT, its conservation efforts, and the Kennebago Headwaters Project, is encouraged to visit rlht.org

SUPPORT

None of this is possible without the support from RLHT’s members, the community, and conservation partners. If you want to contribute to RLHT’s conservation efforts in the Rangeley Lakes Region, please use the QR code or visit rlht.org.

Wildfire Awareness Week

BY AMY ALLEN

Did you know Maine averages over 600 wildfires annually? April 16-22 has been proclaimed Wildfire Awareness Week in Maine, followed by National Wildfire Awareness Month in May.

Due to climate change, wildfires are increasing in intensity and size, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The result of these fires impact our economy, environment, and community health.

After a wildfire, “the dry, hot landscape transforms the native ecosystem and prevents plants and trees from regrowing,” according to energy.gov. “Some invasive plant species have adapted to these environments and grow even stronger after wildfires. Soot and ash from wildfires fall into nearby lakes and streams, polluting water sources for humans and wildlife.”

Forests cover more than 89 percent of Maine’s land and define our state, making protection from wildfires particularly important in the pine tree state. For more than a century, Maine “has been a national leader in forest fire control and prevention, and in 1891 established the Maine Forest Service to combat forest fires,” according to Gov. Janet Mills’ official proclamation of Wildfire Awareness Week in Maine.

Over 90 percent of Maine’s wildfires are caused by people, meaning there are many things we can do to prevent future fires. Simple efforts can make a difference, like never leaving a campfire unattended, appropriately using your firepit and fireworks, disposing of matches and cigarettes in a closed container or cup of water, keeping lighters away from children, and not allowing gasoline to spill on grass or other

vegetation while working on your car. And always make sure bonfires, campfires, and firepits are completely doused or smothered with dirt before leaving the area.

This Earth Day and Wildfire Awareness Week is the perfect time to learn more about what you can do and take steps toward protecting Maine’s natural resources.

Maine-Focused Meal Kits Founder Campaigns for Reusable Packaging

BY CASEY BERNARD

Thanks in part to efforts by Kate Pilotte, Maine businesses like Farm & Fish will soon have the opportunity to offer reusable packaging.

When Kate Pilotte returned to her hometown of Castine last year, she carried with her plans to put a Maine spin on popular meal kit delivery services with her company Farm & Fish. She expected to create a locally-focused sustainable option for those who wanted to cook at home with the convenience of a meal kit. What she did not expect was that she would quickly become a champion for changing the Maine food code to allow businesses to use reusable packaging.

As a working professional living in New Hampshire, Pilotte enjoyed the convenience of meal kits which provide pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to make cooking a variety of meals easier. Pilotte saw the opportunity to bring a similar offering to Maine. Before starting her business, she conducted market research and learned customers who enjoyed meal kits wanted a solution made with Mainegrown ingredients and reduced packaging waste.

Popular brands like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron claim to help reduce food waste by including only the ingredients needed for one meal. For example, if a recipe calls for a small amount of parsley, instead of buying an entire bunch, the home cook receives only the amount needed for the recipe. However, those small individual ingredients are generally wrapped in plastic bags and delivered in a cardboard box with ice packs. Regular meal kit customers soon find that while they may be reducing food waste, they are consuming a lot of packaging.

for support. With the help of Senator Nicole Grohoski, a bill changing the state food code that had been in the works gained momentum. The bill would amend the food policy laws “to allow a business owner to sell the business’s products to consumers in returnable, reusable, or refillable containers and packaging, which may be supplied by either the business or a 3rd party.”

To tackle the packaging problem, Pilotte set out to use reusable containers that customers would return each week for cleaning and reuse as they received their next order. But, as she finalized her licensing for a food-based business she learned that the Maine food code did not allow for businesses to use reusable, returnable containers for food and beverage items.

“I realize now I was a bit naive,” she said. “My basement is full of reusable containers I couldn’t use.”

Disappointed but not defeated, Pilotte started her business with the most sustainable packaging she could find, including compostable fiber-based packaging, and only using plastic packaging when no other option was available. At the same time, she reached out to her local representatives

At a hearing in January, not only did representatives from businesses like Farm & Fish testify for the changes, but student leaders and environmental organizations also spoke in support of the bill. Other supporters of the bill demonstrated that the change to the code could also open up new business opportunities. Matt Marks from CLYNK, the bottle redemption and recycling company, described how Oregon Beverage and Recycling Cooperative uses a similar model for redistributing bottles for the craft beverage industry. He said that CLYNK’s technology and existing drop-off locations are poised to support the deposit and return systems that could facilitate more reusable packaging around Maine.

“This law will have a direct impact on an innovative small business in my district,” said Sen. Grohoski. “Expanding the voluntary and safe use of reusable containers is a great economic opportunity for Maine. Reusable containers have been shown to cut a business’s bottom line and there are business opportunities for logistics companies that can provide, collect, clean, and redistribute reusable containers.”

On March 6, 2024, Governor Janet Mills signed LD 2091 into law. As soon as the process for following the new food code is available, Pilotte looks forward to putting the reusable containers she has been storing in her basement to use and reuse.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATE PILOTTE

COURTESY OF MAINE COMMUNITY SOLAR

You probably heard of solar energy. You may have even heard of Community Solar. But what’s the difference? You might even be asking yourself “Why should I care?”

You already have enough on your plate. As much as you want to, how can you possibly add helping the environment to your list? You already use LED bulbs, recycle, and buy locally harvested fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

We get it. And so does the State of Maine!

That’s why our legislature made community solar programs possible in 2019. They are 100% free to join, with no fees to cancel, and no long-term commitment. Community solar subscription programs are a great option to drive large-scale adoption of solar energy because there is such a low barrier to entry — unlike purchasing solar panels for your home — and customers will always save money. It is the fastest and easiest way to help support the production of more renewable energy in our state.

…the process of signing up itself took no longer than a diaper change. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to make a positive environmental impact while also cutting their electric bills.

– Tom Major, solar subscriber

We’re on a mission to help Mainers reap the benefits of community solar programs while making our state a leader in sustainability and renewable energy!

Let us explain how the process works and walk you through the easy steps toward saving money and supporting renewable energy. Maine Community Solar is a locally-owned and operated organization dedicated to educating businesses and consumers like you about the benefits of community solar and helping them enroll with a local solar farm.

During the past two and a half years we’ve helped hundreds of businesses and thousands of consumers understand community solar programs and take advantage of the savings.

I don’t usually write reviews, but: Maine Community Solar! Everyone should be doing this.

– Emily Smith, solar subscriber

Community solar is the ultimate win-win for Maine residents and businesses. Everyone qualifies, despite their roof orientation or income. The average Mainer saves over $250 a year. When you send us your bill, we’ll show you what 15% savings looks like for you in less time than a diaper change!

COMMUNITY SOLAR SUBSCRIPTIONS QUICK FACTS

• 10-15% Savings Guarantee For Consumers and Businesses

• Free to Join, No Fees or Costs to Exit the Program

• No Equipment to Purchase, Install, or Maintain

• Powered by Maine’s Net Energy Billing Program

• Works For Renters and May Be Transferable

If You Move Within the Same Utility Service area

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Maine Community Solar website: mainecommunitysolar.org

• Maine Public Utilities Commission website: maine.gov/mpuc/home

• Maine Office of the Public Advocate website: maine.gov/meopa

A Brief History of Earth Day

COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

Earth Day is celebrated each April and draws attention to a range of issues affecting the environment. Earth Day aims to raise awareness in the hope of inspiring change.

Earth Day is observed on April 22. According to National Geographic, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson was inspired to begin a national celebration uniting the environmental movement after witnessing environmental activism in the 1960s. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day. Twenty million people participated in events across the United States and strengthened support for environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Earth Day was expanded to a global initiative in 1990 under guidance from Hayes. Nearly 200 million participants in more than 140 countries now join together in the name of protecting the planet. Awareness continues to be raised each year regarding renewable energy and climate change.

One of the hallmarks of Earth Day celebrations is the planting of trees. Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees are cut down each year across the globe. By planting a tree every Earth Day, people can make a difference. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen and bolster ecosystems for wildlife. Shade trees can reduce reliance on fans and air conditioning systems.

The main message of Earth Day 2024 is the need to commit to ending reliance on plastics, says EarthDay.org. The goal is a 60 percent reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Plastics are bad for the environment, and a growing body of research

indicates they have an adverse effect on the major systems of the body, including immune, respiratory, digestive, and hormonal systems.

Everyone can do their part to promote the ideals behind Earth Day. For 54 years, millions of people have been advocating for change to benefit the planet and human and animal health, and that fight continues today.