Plastic pollution is a major threat to our natural environment, climate, and public health. Plastic waste is littering our waters, forests, and open spaces, choking wildlife, and making its way into the food web. A growing body of scientific research shows that plastic breaks down into hard-to-detect microplastics, and the toxic chemicals used to make plastic have harmful human health impacts. To make matters worse, the production of plastic creates greenhouse gas emissions that are fueling the climate crisis.

A study by environmental groups shows Maine had the highest amount of toxic water pollution of any New England state in 2020. Of the state’s top polluters, McCain Foods USA’s plant in Easton released the most chemicals into waterways that year while the Sappi paper mill in Skowhegan released chemicals with the highest degree of toxicity.

Environmental advocates fear that cutting federal regulations meant to curb pollution and lower carbon emissions could be acutely felt in Maine.

Risks from ‘forever chemicals’ have ended a half-century of spreading sludge onto Maine farmland and raised unanswered questions about contamination of foods.

The amount of road salt being using, coupled with leaking old septic systems and an increased use of fertilizers and pesticides to kill ticks and mosquitoes and manage invasive plants, are among the greatest threats to future water supply.

Marine debris poses an environmental threat to coastal and ocean ecosystems. Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment.