Tonic Town of the Week: Ogunquit, Maine

By Dan Estabrook - August 1, 2008 (TNN) Right from my home state of Maine comes Tonic's Town of the Week: Ogunquit, Maine.  It seems that the seaside community is striving to become the Greenest Town in Maine.  Last week, the Board of Selectmen voted to have town government participate in an effort to encourage environmentally friendly practices throughout the community. The effort will target residences, businesses, and town government.  The hope is to sign on 20% of businesses and 20% of residences in the first phase of the program. From the SeacoastOnline.com:

A letter to residents asks that they pledge to do at least eight of 10 suggested actions to go green. For example, it urges residents to stop using plastic bags and conserve water.

"We ask people to pledge and send a postcard back," said Joyner. "They'll get a green ribbon to tie around a tree in their yard. The workshop then will reinforce things. We'll have vendors come in and show best practices."

As a native Main-ah, I am glad to see the state making efforts to protect its beauty through green programs.  If you haven't visited the state, there are so many pristine areas that remain untouched by humans.  The coast is one-of-a-kind and drives Maine's large tourism economy.  I grew up inland (in Waterville to be exact), and I know that recycling programs, composting, and other green activities have even reached the rural areas.

Read more about our Town of the Week here.

And, as we say in Maine, "you can't get they-ah from he-ah."

Tonic Town of the Week is a regular Friday feature at Tonic News Network.  If you would like to make a nomination (of any town in the solar system), please send an email to dan@tonicgen.com.