By Toby Bartlett
It’s that time of year! You know, that time when you make a few resolutions or promises to yourself. Some think about fitness, some about projects, and others about big dreams or bucket list goals as the calendar turns to the next year. Setting resolutions can be great, but rather than thinking about traditional resolutions for 2025, why not set a sustainability goal? As someone who lives, works, or spends time in Scarborough, you might be surprised by how ideally this town is suited for sustainability goals of all kinds.
In our last two issues, we looked at local businesses with sustainable practices. This fall it was Oak Hill Dry Cleaners, leaders in “greening” a historically dirty industry. Before that it was Greencare, the landscape company using electric lawn equipment. For this article, we are stepping back and answering a fairly common question: Just what is sustainability?
At its basic level, sustainability is about living or doing business in a way that takes care of the planet so future generations can enjoy it too. It means using resources like water, energy, and materials wisely and not wasting them. It’s also about making choices that protect the environment, like recycling, reducing plastic use, and supporting local businesses that care about the Earth.
Sustainability is often thought of as a lofty, all-or-nothing goal, but it can be a journey best taken one small step at a time. Whether it is the individual or family seeking to live a more sustainable life or the massive corporation looking to adapt their methods, sustainability takes time. True sustainability doesn’t happen overnight – it grows from the everyday choices that shape our businesses, communities, and lives.
Jami Fitch, the Town of Scarborough’s Sustainability Manager, says “People don’t need to necessarily make big changes, like installing solar panels or switching to an electric vehicle, although those things help. Small steps, like adding insulation or sealing up cracks in our homes to reduce drafts and reducing the amount of time we spend in our cars, make a difference, too.”
Impactful Community Initiatives
Scarborough has always been a town that values its natural beauty, and in recent years, this commitment has translated into real, grassroots efforts to protect the environment and foster sustainability. Fitch says, “As a coastal community, we’ve experienced firsthand what sea level rise, storm surge, and intense storms can do to our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Doing our part to reduce energy use makes sense for our bank accounts and for the climate.”
One of the key drivers behind these initiatives is the Scarborough Sustainability Committee, a group of local residents and community leaders. Currently under the leadership of Rick Meinking, the committee has worked to bring sustainability into focus for both residents and businesses, ensuring that Scarborough thrives not only today but well into the future.
Its mission “is to promote energy and environmental sustainability in Scarborough, and to research energy programs, projects and policies through conservation and alternative energy use.” They are also tasked with considering reducing solid waste and costs of disposal by considering ways of increasing the recycling rate in town.
Sustainable Scarborough Day
One of the most notable initiatives by the committee has been the organization of the annual Sustainable Scarborough Day. Fitch says, “[It] came about… as a way to educate the Scarborough community about new incentives that were going to be available from the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed by Congress in 2022. The event grew into much more and covers a wide array of topics related to sustainability and conservation.”
The event has taken place twice so far, and has become a celebration of the town’s collective commitment to reducing its environmental impact. In 2024, more than 25 local businesses joined forces with environmental groups to provide resources and information to the community. Such partnerships highlight the importance of a united approach to sustainability, where everyone plays a role in the health and well-being of their environment.
With events that engage the entire community, Sustainable Scarborough Day featured electric vehicles to test-drive, induction cooking demonstrations, sustainable food providers, educational workshops, and practical demonstrations designed to help residents understand the impact of their everyday choices. From learning about renewable energy to gaining tips on composting and waste reduction, Sustainable Scarborough Day has inspired residents to take meaningful action.
Sustainability Year-Round
Residents are encouraged to get involved, whether by participating in events like Sustainable Scarborough Day, volunteering with local clean-up efforts, or joining one of the town’s many sustainability initiatives. Everyone has a role to play and individual actions can collectively lead to significant change. From something as simple as reducing plastic use to investing in renewable energy, the community’s collective actions are what will make the difference.
Throughout the town’s history, it is clear that the residents of Scarborough have been committed to ensuring their town remains a place where nature and community thrive side by side. Scarborough is taking meaningful steps towards a sustainable future – one that can serve as an example for other communities across Maine and beyond.
Sustainable Living in Scarborough
Want to make sustainable choices every day? Here’s a handy guide to local resources that can help you go green in Scarborough.
1. Recycling and Waste Reduction
• Scarborough Public Works: They’re your go-to for recycling guidelines and tips on reducing waste. They can offer information on e-waste drop-off sites and options for composting, so you can minimize what ends up in the landfill.
• Ecomaine: A visit to this incredibly informative site can give you a full education on recycling and more sustainable choices. Ecomaine.org
• Composting: Consider starting a compost pile at home or using town compost services. It’s a great way to reduce waste and help your garden thrive!
2. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• Efficiency Maine: Ready to lower those energy bills? Efficiency Maine offers rebates on energy-efficient appliances, heat pumps, and weatherization to help you save money and reduce energy use.
• Community Solar Programs: Solar energy is more accessible than ever! Explore options for community solar farms, where you can access renewable energy without needing to install panels at home.
3. Local and Sustainable Shopping
• Farm Stands and CSA Programs: Local farms like Broadturn Farm and Frith Farm offer fresh, organic produce through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. It’s a delicious way to eat healthy and support local farmers. You might also want to visit Flaherty’s Family Farm or Goronson Farm, both selling locally grown (and some organic) foods.
• The Farmer’s Market: The Scarborough Farmers Market operates every Sunday from June through October in the Town Hall parking lot on Route 1.
4. Water Conservation
• Scarborough Water District: Check out water conservation incentives and resources. They provide tips and rebates on efficient appliances that help conserve water and save you money.
5. Transportation and Eco-Friendly Commuting
• Public Transportation: Save on gas and reduce emissions by using local buses or carpooling. Maine also offers incentives for electric vehicles, and charging stations are popping up around Scarborough, including at the library.
• Bike-Friendly Routes: Consider biking when you can! Scarborough has some beautiful bike paths to explore, and it’s a great way to get around sustainably.
Supporting Sustainable Businesses
By choosing sustainable businesses, you’re not only helping the environment but also supporting our local economy. Look for stores and services that promote eco-friendly practices. Every time you shop with these businesses, you’re making a small choice that has a big impact.
Let’s Keep Moving Forward!
Building a sustainable Scarborough is a community effort, and every step counts! Whether you’re attending Sustainable Scarborough Day, joining the efforts of the Sustainability Committee, or simply making mindful choices at home, each action helps us move toward a greener future. Make this year a year that you help protect our beautiful town for generations to come!
Know a sustainable or sustainability-adjacent business in Scarborough? Let us know! We’d love to highlight local businesses making a positive impact on our environment. Send us your nominations, and we’ll share their stories here to help others make eco-friendly choices in our community.
