Maine Audubon Joins BYOB Challenge and Offers ‘Green’ Grocery Bag as New Membership Benefit

FALMOUTH, Maine, April 16, 2008—Just in time for a statewide Earth Day initiative to cut the use of plastic grocery bags in half, Maine Audubon announces that it is offering a 100-percent recycled grocery bag to new members. These durable, washable bags are produced in the United States and are made completely from recycled bottles.

The Maine Audubon grocery bag is offered until May 31 to new members joining at any level or to renewing members upgrading their membership.

“When the clerk asks, ‘Paper or plastic?’ the green thing to do is to say, ‘Neither,’” said Linda Shary, Maine Audubon membership director. “More and more people are choosing alternatives to disposable bags. With a Maine Audubon grocery bag you’re reducing waste and supporting wildlife conservation in Maine.”

The new Maine Audubon bags support a statewide challenge to “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Bag) to the grocery store. Sponsored by Rep. Ted Koffman of Bar Harbor, a resolution in the Maine Legislature sets a goal of cutting plastic bag use across the state in half by Earth Day on April 22.

About 10 percent of Mainers currently use reusable grocery bags, Koffman said, with that number climbing steadily in recent years. His long-term goal is to have 90 percent of Mainers using reusable bags by the end of 2009.

“I’m proud of Maine citizens who have consistently supported commonsense conservation measures to protect public health and wildlife,” said Koffman.

Maine Audubon is also offering a fleece blanket for members at the $100 level, a hand-cranked, eco-friendly flashlight at the $250 level and two cruise tickets to see midcoast Maine’s Atlantic puffins at the $500 level.

MAINE AUDUBON works to conserve Maine's wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation, and action. With a 160-year history, Maine Audubon today is affiliated with Audubon’s national organization and has seven local chapters in the state. Support for Maine Audubon comes from 11,000 member households and donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations.

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