Environmental Considerations: Midcoast

Protected Areas

Maine has many State Parks, Public Reserved Lands, and land trust preserves for conservation.

Waste Management

Recycling is common, with facilities for plastics, glass, paper, and cans. Maine has a bottle deposit law.

Carbon Offsets

Consider offsetting your flight and car rental emissions through reputable programs like Terrapass.

Cultural Sensitivity

Respectful interaction and cultural awareness contribute to a positive visit.

Cultural Preservation Efforts

Support local historical societies, museums, and traditional craftspeople.

How to Contribute

Visit local historical societies and museums.
Purchase goods from traditional craftspeople.
Your visits and purchases assist their work.
Learn about local heritage.

Respectful Interaction Guidelines

Politeness and courtesy enhance all interactions.

Behaviors to Practice

A simple "hello" or "thank you" is appreciated.
Respect local customs and ways of life, especially in working communities.
Engage with locals respectfully, listening to their stories.
Understand that some areas are livelihoods, not just tourist attractions.

Photography Ethics & Privacy Concerns

Always seek permission before photographing individuals.

Visual Etiquette

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Do not photograph people at work (e.g., fishermen) without their consent.
Be mindful of privacy in residential areas; no private home photos without permission.
Look for signs regarding photography restrictions in museums or businesses.

Religious Site Etiquette

When visiting religious sites, respect their sacred nature.

Visit Guidelines

Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).
Maintain quiet, especially if services are underway.
Respect any posted rules.

Eco-Friendly Shopping

Sustainable Gear

Find outdoor gear from companies committed to sustainability like Patagonia.

Shop Patagonia

Reusable Products

Reduce waste by choosing reusable items from stores like Package Free Shop.

Visit Package Free Shop

Responsible Tourism Tip

Supporting ethical tour operators like G Adventures contributes to positive local impacts. Also, organizations like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood) help conservation efforts.

Economic Impact

Your travel choices directly benefit local communities and their economies.

Community-Based Tourism

Choose businesses that directly benefit local communities.

Support Local

Choose small, locally owned shops.
Dine at local restaurants and cafes.
Select local tour operators.
Prioritize independent businesses over large chains.

Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

Seek out products that are locally made and ethically sourced.

Conscious Purchases

Look for items supporting fair wages for artisans.
Many craft shops and farmers' markets provide these options.
Your purchases directly assist local producers.
Read labels for local origin.

Supporting Local Businesses

Direct support for local businesses keeps money circulating within the community.

Ways to Support

Purchase fresh produce from farmers' markets.
Buy seafood directly from local dealers or co-ops.
Hire local guides for tours and activities.
Choose locally owned accommodations.

Be aware of your tourism dollars and how they are spent.

Conscious Choices

Avoid activities that exploit local resources or communities.
Avoid those that involve unethical treatment of animals.
Research local charities or conservation organizations for donations.
Local land trusts or food banks are good options for giving.

Affiliate Programs

For flight issues, Compensair assists with compensation claims for delays or cancellations.

Compensair

Helps with flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding compensation.

Priority Pass

Offers airport lounge access for frequent travelers. Visit Priority Pass.

Ethical Tours

Explore ethical travel options through partners like G Adventures for a positive global impact.

Support Maine

When purchasing souvenirs or gifts, seek out products crafted in Maine to ensure your money directly assists local artisans and businesses.

Environmental Considerations