Materials Management - Plastics in Consumer Products & Food Service

Plastics are energy and toxic chemical-intensive to produce and most of it is created to be disposed of after minimal usage. A lot of plastic waste ends up accumulating in our environment and in our bodies. The purpose of this Project is to educate residents, local officials, institutions, and businesses in targeted areas of Maine and Vermont on why reducing plastic use is important and promote ideas for alternatives. NEWMOA has developed:

• The Problem with Plastic: Why Care About Reducing Plastic Use? – a general 2-page handout about the plastic problem
• Plastic Recycling: Understanding the “Dos” & “Don’ts” – a general 2-page handout that works everywhere
• Understanding Plastic Recycling in the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District (NEKWMD) – a 4-page handout detailing recycling “dos and don’ts” specific to the NEKWMD
• Understanding Plastic Recycling in the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG) Towns – a 2-page handout detailing recycling “dos and don’ts” specific to the AVCOG region
• Plastics: Reduce & Reuse – Save $$$ and the Planet – a 4-page handout promoting ideas for alternatives to common consumer plastics
• Plastics in Food Service: Promoting Alternatives – an 8-page guide for food service providers including restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and other institutional cafeterias

NEWMOA will also conduct outreach in each targeted area including community events, such as farmers markets, host a workshop for food service providers, and provide technical assistance to at least one school.

View the 5 PlasticS FactsheetS & Guide References