December 2023

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On November 7th, Mainers voted in state and local elections regarding city and town councilors, energy democracy, justice, and much more. Here are the highlights from us at Sierra Club Maine:

 

 

 

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By David von Seggern, Treasurer Search Team Lead

Sierra Club Maine is seeking to fill the position of Treasurer for the chapter. This is an appointed position taken on by a volunteer and is an important role within chapter leadership. The Treasurer will be responsible for financial duties as defined in this job description.

We are looking for someone with a keen interest in the Sierra Club’s mission and in the work of our chapter in particular, and a strong commitment to ongoing chapter stability. Experience with accounting spreadsheets, ability to work with figures and apply protocols, and a cooperative character are basic criteria for this position. Experience working with non-profit groups—in either a staff or volunteer role—will elevate a candidate’s credentials. Sierra Club Maine staff members are currently performing some of these duties and may do so in the future, per arrangements to be made. Contracting professional bookkeeping services may also be possible. Collaborative onboarding and continued support from chapter staff and volunteer leaders will be provided.

Interest should be communicated to David von Seggern at vonseg1@sbcglobal.net. Know someone who might be interested and qualified? Please consider forwarding this call to them.

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The podcast focuses on the need to preserve 30 percent of the state’s land, water, and forest by 2030, and beyond. Specifically, it explores the 30x30 goal’s impact on Maine and the strategies used to achieve it. As climate change and habitat destruction exacerbate biodiversity loss, protecting what’s left is crucial. And, it must be done in a just and equitable way. 

Redefining Conservation also gives us the opportunity to explore the intersection between conservation and other forms of social justice such as pollution, water quality issues, ownership, and access. Listeners can expect to hear interviews with community organizers, scientists, BIPOC and youth leaders, and housing advocates who will be a part of creating a shared conservation future in Maine. As you listen, we hope you will reach out with any thoughts or questions by commenting here.

By Bina Venkataraman via the Washington Post

On a recent morning at the Penobscot Nation headquarters, moose mating rituals dominated the office banter: the wacky way a lovesick moose had stumbled around someone’s pickup truck, the grunts a bull moose made when he heard a hunter’s low moan—an imitation of a female mating call. “I don’t care anymore how ridiculous I sound to people,” said Chuck Loring, who heads the tribe’s department of natural resources. “What matters is how I sound to a moose.” He had just shot a bull with a 40-inch antler span. Outside, a stretched-out hide—the future head of a ceremonial drum—was drying in the sun.

The Penobscot Nation’s record of caring for nature while still using it—hunting moose and duck while keeping their populations steady, selectively harvesting timber to preserve forests and restoring rivers to support fisheries—inspired an effort to return a 31,000-acre tract of forested land to tribal ownership. Late last year, the Trust for Public Land, a conservation group, bought the parcel from an industrial timber company, and today it announced it will give the land to the tribe once it pays off $32 million in loans. Called Wáhsehtəkʷ by the Penobscot, which means east branch of the river (and is pronounced WAH-seh-teg), it’s the largest contiguous tract that the tribe will have acquired in more than four decades. Continue reading here.

 

By Laura Marston via GoGo Refill

Did you know that Americans throw away 25% more trash between November and the New Year’s holiday season? This extra waste is about 1 million extra tons of waste per week. At GoGo, we are giving the gift of less–so let’s talk about low-waste & sustainable holiday planning!

Low-waste gifts: Normalize regifting, embrace the joy in giving and receiving homemade gifts, and get creative with the gift of ‘experiences’. Shop local and thrifted, and make it a fun experience with all of the wonderful holiday markets around town. Here's a link with all the upcoming craft markets throughout Maine!

If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for and must seek online, make sure to do your research before purchasing. Look into the company’s mission and practices. Are they sustainable? Do they use eco-friendly and natural ingredients or sustainability sourced resources? Do they ship plastic-free? (you can always ask!) It will be worth the extra work! Continue reading here.

Do you have a green tip that you would like to have included in a future newsletter? Please share it with us here!

 

Donating an old car, boat, truck, motorcycle, or RV to Sierra Club Maine has a lasting impact on our work advancing climate solutions, advocating for clean air and water, and keeping our wild places wild. Donating is easy and someone will come to you to pick up your donation for free. Simply call 855-337-4377 or visit sierraclubfoundation.careasy.org and make sure to designate your donation to “Sierra Club Maine.” Questions? Please email us at maine.chapter@sierraclub.org.

 

Here are some of the meetings and events we have coming up. We hope to see you soon!

• December 5 at 5pm: Conservation/30x30 Team Meeting
  • Learn how you can protect Maine's woods, water, and wildlife.

• December 6, 5:30-7:30pm: ANNUAL CELEBRATION!
  • Join Sierra Club Maine, Maine Youth for Climate Justice, and the Wabanaki Alliance as we celebrate our shared accomplishments of 2023! The night will include a climate justice panel discussion, a live auction, delicious food and drink, and great company. All are welcome! RSVP here.

• December 13 at 12pm: Volunteer Orientation
  • Learn how you can help protect Maine's environment.

• December 18 at 4:30pm: Legislative Team Meeting
  • Join us to discuss the upcoming legislative session!

• December 19 at 12pm: Clean Energy Team Meeting
  • Join our team and ensure a clean and just energy future for Maine, specifically focused on renewable energy development!

• Please note: Volunteer Support Team meetings will resume on January 8th at 4pm
  • Help recruit and orient new volunteers and ensure overall volunteer satisfaction.

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Interested in helping to protect Maine’s environment? We invite you to join us at our volunteer orientation December 13th at noon - RSVP here! No matter your background, we have a role for you—no experience necessary.

We are always looks for photos from across the state to feature in our marketing materials. Professionals and amateurs alike are encouraged to submit images of Maine landscapes, nature, and wildlife. Please submit your photo here.

Questions? Email us at maine.chapter@sierraclub.org.