Here in Midcoast Maine, nature doesn’t just surround us — it shapes who we are. It’s hard not to be inspired when your everyday backdrop includes wild blueberry bushes, rocky shorelines and quiet marshes teeming with life. As lifelong Mainers, we feel a deep responsibility to care for this incredible place we call home. That’s why sustainable living in Midcoast Maine isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle we fully believe in.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or dreaming about your coastal forever home, there are plenty of approachable ways to make your space more eco-friendly. And no, you don’t need to live completely off-grid or grow all your own produce to make an impact. Want to create a more eco-friendly home? We’ve got some practical — and doable — ideas to share, and you can begin right now.
Embrace Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
Let’s start with the big one that’s especially relevant here in Midcoast Maine: energy use. Maine winters are no joke, and it’s important to stay warm without burning through your budget or the planet’s resources.
- Switch to LED lighting and Energy Star appliances: Small changes, big results. Plus, it keeps your utility bills from creeping up.
- Smart thermostats: These handy devices learn your habits and help regulate your home’s temperature more efficiently.
- Heat pumps: If you haven’t looked into them yet, it’s time. They’re super efficient for both heating and cooling.
- Solar panels: More homeowners in Midcoast Maine are going solar, and with local programs improving accessibility, it’s a great long-term investment in sustainability (and your equity).
Use Water Wisely
Water may feel abundant in Maine, but using it thoughtfully helps preserve the health of our rivers, lakes and coastline.
Use Low-Flow Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures
Upgrading to low-flow kitchen and bathroom fixtures is one of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve water. So, what are low-flow water fixtures? Low-flow fixtures save water without sacrificing pressure or performance, thanks to advanced aerators, pressure-compensating valves, and optimized designs. Let’s talk about some common low-flow fixtures and how they can help you save water.
Toilets: Many standard toilets use around 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF). But if you’re looking to cut down on water use, low-flow toilets, also called high-efficiency toilets (HETs), are the way to go, using just 1.28 GPF or even less. Plus, some offer dual-flush options, giving you an even smarter way to save water for liquid waste.
Showerheads: Ever thought about how much water goes down the drain during your shower? Traditional showerheads can flow at 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or more. Fortunately, low-flow showerheads are a fantastic alternative, typically using 2.0 GPM or less. You’ll find many excellent models that go even lower, sometimes down to 1.75 GPM or 1.5 GPM. The best part? They often use aerating technology to ensure you still get a satisfying and strong shower experience while using less water.
Faucets: Even everyday tasks like washing your hands or rinsing dishes can add up. Standard faucets generally use about 2.2 GPM. Opting for low-flow faucets can cut this down, often to 1.5 GPM or even less. That means a standard faucet uses about 22 gallons during just 10 minutes of use, while a low-flow faucet cuts that down to 15 gallons. That’s a daily savings of 7 gallons – enough to make a real splash in your water bill.
Tap Into Free Water With Rain Barrels
Rain barrels offer a fantastic, eco-friendly way to conserve water and save money. They’re simply containers that collect and store rainwater runoff from your roof via your downspouts, instead of allowing the water to flow into storm drains. Your rain barrel fills up, giving you a readily available, chlorine-free water source.
This precious resource is diverted for later use, perfect for watering gardens, lawns, potted plants and even your vegetable patch — without ever having to turn on your outdoor hose. It’s a simple, yet incredibly effective, step toward a more sustainable home.
Go for Native and Drought-Resistant Landscaping
One of the smartest and most beautiful ways to conserve water and create a truly resilient garden in Midcoast Maine is by choosing native and drought-resistant plants. These are the species that have evolved right here, perfectly adapted to our unique climate, soil conditions and rainfall patterns.
Plants like bayberry, beach roses, blueberry bushes, serviceberry or shadbush, sweet fern and native stonewort thrive here naturally and require little water or maintenance. And they look great doing it! However, please note that it’s important to distinguish between native stoneworts and the invasive Starry Stonewort, as the latter poses a big threat to the local aquatic ecosystems.
Choose Coastal-Friendly Landscaping
When gardening on the coast, consider plants that thrive here — and let the land lead the way.
- Use native plants to attract pollinators and reduce upkeep.
- Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can harm marine life and seep into local waterways.
- Incorporate permeable pavers, crushed shell paths or gravel walkways to help manage runoff.
- Decorate with nature: driftwood, beach stones and reclaimed wood make stunning accents (and cost next to nothing if you get creative).
Reduce, Reuse and Reclaim
You know we love a good yard sale or antique shop run, especially when it’s in the name of sustainability.
- Shop secondhand: From furniture to décor, Midcoast Maine has no shortage of charming consignment and antique shops.
- Use reclaimed wood: Barn boards and salvaged lumber can add warmth and character to decks, walls or custom-built furniture.
- Compost: Whether you’re an avid gardener or just want to cut down on food waste, composting is a game-changer.
- Recycle: Make sorting simple with labeled bins and consider reducing single-use plastics altogether.
- Dispose of hazardous waste responsibly: Things like old paint, batteries, and oil need special care, and Midcoast towns often host disposal events.
Design for Natural Light and Airflow
Let nature do some of the work for you.
- Maximize natural light with thoughtful furniture placement, light-reflective paint and minimal window coverings.
- Create cross breezes by positioning windows and doors to allow airflow — a timeless trick that cuts down on A/C use.
- Open-air living: Take full advantage of screened porches, shaded patios and outdoor rooms. A hammock and a breeze can work wonders.
Go Local Whenever Possible
Sustainability isn’t just about what you do inside your home, it’s also about how your choices support the larger community.
- Shop locally: Support farms, fisheries and makers of food and goods with fewer miles traveled.
- Hire local: From builders to landscapers, work with professionals who prioritize eco-conscious practices and materials.
- Choose Maine-made: Furniture, textiles, art — you name it. You’ll find beautiful, lasting pieces while supporting neighbors and reducing your footprint.
Every Step Counts
We’re not perfect, but the point is: small, mindful decisions can add up to a big impact.
Sustainable living in Midcoast Maine is about protecting the place we love while enjoying it to the fullest. Whether you’re updating an older home, designing a new one, or just learning the ropes, we hope these tips inspire your next move — big or small.
Looking for a home that fits your sustainable lifestyle?
The real estate experts at City + Harbor know the area, the market and the best local resources to help you find or create your eco-conscious dream home.
Let’s connect and talk about your next steps.