Sustainability

The Sustainability Office guides the development of policies and practices that promote energy conservation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience now and into the future. It closely collaborates with all municipal departments and staff serve as the liaison for the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission, and the Highland Lake Leadership Team.

News and Updates

Water Protection (Take Our Survey!)

Help protect Falmouth’s water! The Town of Falmouth, with help from FB Environmental Associates, has completed a pilot study to test local waters for contaminates such as fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. As part of their final report, FB Environmental would like to incorporate feedback from Falmouth residents regarding the use of pesticides in their lawn care practices.  Like similar surveys in the past two years, this information will help the Conservation Commission better understand synthetic pesticide and fertilizer use within the community. Your participation in this survey will be anonymous. Only your general location within the town will be documented. To complete this survey online, please visit https://arcg.is/1y814n0

Falmouth Climate Action Planning Process Updates

Learn more about the Falmouth Climate Action Planning Process that's currently underway! See sea level rise and storm surge scenario models, initial social and economic vulnerability snapshots, and ways that you can engage with the process. Visit: https://falmouth-cap-gpcog.hub.arcgis.com/. 

Plastic Bag Ban Went Into Effect July 1

After being delayed over a year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Maine state ban on the distribution of single-use plastic bags went into effect on July 1, 2021. This means that all retail establishments, including restaurants, are prohibitted from distributing single-use plastic bags. Retailers may provide recycled paper bags for a 5₵ fee or reusable bags. Grocery stores will continue to accept plastic bags for recycling for now, and the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee is looking into long term solutions for plastic film waste. For more information, visit: https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/plastic-bag-film.html.

Earth Day Clean-Ups a Success!

Over 60 people turned out to help cleanup around River Point Conservation Area and the Route 1 Commercial Corridor, picking up over 40 bags of trash! Thank you so much to the wonderful volunteers and community groups for participating. See more.

Town Council passes resolution to update the Falmouth Climate Action Plan in partnership with GPCOG

This 12-month process will incorporate a vulnerability assessment, greenhouse house emissions inventory, and community engagement, and will result in a climate action plan that will help guide efforts to mitigate and adapt for the impacts of climate change. See the full presentation to the Town Council. 

Village Park Food Waste Kiosk Up and Running

The Town's third food waste kiosk is now up and running at Village Park, across from the Casco Bay Ice Arena. This marks the completion of the implementation of the food waste program, which also includes kiosks at Community Park and the Transfer Station, and offers free food waste disposal to all Falmouth residents. By diverting food waste from the landfill, the Town saves money and the waste gets repurposed into compost that can be used for land and garden care, resulting in less waste overall! Learn more about what you can and can't compost here.