Apr 18, 2024

Warning: Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Landfills Put People and the Environment at Risk

Most people don’t realize that landfills, when working as intended, send poisonous chemicals into our waterways. Those chemicals – poly- and perfluorochemicals, or PFAS for short –  are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or in our bodies. These toxic substances are linked to a growing number of health… Continue reading Warning: Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Landfills Put People and the Environment at Risk

Drone view of landfill in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.
Apr 11, 2024

How to Plan a Community Cleanup to Make It Count

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.

Sunny beach day. A person wearing white gloves picks up empty plastic bottles from the sand and puts them inside a black plastic bag as part of a community cleanup. Cleanups like this help document the impact of plastic litter on our environment.
Apr 10, 2024

Maine Legislature Passes Bill to Address Community Concerns in Dangerous Landfill Expansion 

“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.” 

Maine Statehouse.
Mar 28, 2024

MBTA Approves Reduced Fare Program for Low-Income Riders

“None of this would be possible without the tireless advocacy from MBTA riders who have called out to make fares more affordable for years,” said CLF Transportation Attorney Seth Gadbois. “The reduced-fare program sets us up on the right track to ensure no rider is forced to miss the next stop in their journey. But we must continue to push to make this program even stronger in the long run.”

Photo of MBTA fare machine and customer tapping card on sensor to purchase additional fare. Under new reduced fare program, eligible customers will qualify for a discount of half or more. This is a step forward to make public transportation more affordable.
Mar 15, 2024

A Shell Game

CLF is suing Big Oil to protect communities from dangerous facilities.

Woman speaking into a microphone
Mar 13, 2024

The Power of Policy

CLF is creating climate policies that will dramatically cut carbon emissions, particularly in polluting sectors like transportation.

Cars crossing a highway bridge at night
Mar 06, 2024

Maine Legislature Passes Food Scrap Ban 

“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.”

pile of food waste