With 16 miles of coastline, the city of South Portland has a dedicated interest in protecting our waterways from microplastics that are harmful to our ecosystems and ourselves. At the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill, Maine, scientists studying microplastics in coastal Maine found an average of 17 pieces of microplastic per liter of ocean water, and detected 177 plastic particles in every oyster and mussel. These plastics can injure and kill marine life, interfere with navigation safety, and pose a threat to human health.

Single-use plastics are everywhere. However, the University of Maine’s inaugural reusables pilot program offers a feasible alternative. The program is part of a growing movement to increase access to reusable containers at local businesses, making it easier for residents to avoid single-use plastics while on the go. 

Researchers at UMaine partnered with the volunteer coalition Reuse Maine and three coastal communities — Bar Harbor, Bath, and South Portland — to pilot a reusable food and beverage takeout packaging program. The goal is to explore the potential of reusable takeout packaging to reduce waste, prevent plastic pollution, and save money on the purchase and disposal costs of single-use packaging. You can learn more at umaine.edu/reuseme.

Customers at six participating establishments can now check out a reusable container by downloading the Recirclable app and return the containers to any participating establishment. You can stop by the participating establishments in South Portland, Second Rodeo Coffee and Verbena, and take your cup of coffee to-go by borrowing a reusable cup.

UPCOMING SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for more ways to support reuse in South Portland? We are seeking volunteers for weekly three-hour shifts at the Swap Shop, which is opening for its 10th year. The Swap Shop, located at the Transfer Station (929 Highland Ave.), is a space where South Portland residents can donate or pick up household items for free. The Swap Shop is generally open Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., mid-April through November (depending on volunteer availability). For more information or to express interest in volunteering, email Julie Taft, sustainability program manager, at [email protected].

We are looking for participants to join our South Portland Resilient Yards Program. Are you interested in learning more about native plants and resilient gardening in your yard? Participating in Resilient Yards is a great way for South Portland residents to get started. Our volunteer coaches will help you design and install a small native habitat garden in your yard with program resources. Learn more and apply here by May 1.

Robyn Landes is an AmeriCorps Resilience Fellow with the South Portland Sustainability Department.