• Understanding that we have many more food sources than the animals do, so leaving the edibles untouched and the living plants unpicked and unbroken so that creation in the sanctuary can thrive without domination by humans.
Feeding wildlife is harmful to animals and people and can seriously endanger creatures who become dependent. Limited feeding is done by the owner only if and when appropriate.
• Protecting the water supply by using biodegradable soap and detergents, keeping bleach, oil-based paints and solvents (brushes can be cleaned at the garage in town 5 minutes away), motor vehicle fluids, aerosols of any kind and deet-based insect repellent out of the septic system, air and ground. (BITEBLOCKER is strongly recommended for a non-toxic insect repellent more effective than deet!)
• Playing an active role in guarding Magic Pond from the serious risk of forest fire by eliminating the dangers of open flames such as lighters, candles lanterns and camp fires.
• Keeping motor vehicles in designated parking areas and on the driveway.
• If you spot ANY litter at Magic Pond, please pick it up. We strive for absolutely none. • Recycling is mandatory in Blaine (bins provided). The creation of refuse is wonderfully discouraged by the Town's charge of $2.00 PER BAG OF TRASH and, in turn charged to guests who create more than the allowed one bag per week. Living green means using cloth napkins and dish sponges or rags vs. paper towels. It means using dishes and glassware vs. paper plates and cups. It means think twice before you buy something packed in styrofoam since packing material will quickly fill your 1 free bag at Magic Pond!
THE SPIRIT OF LIVING GREEN extends into personal considerations, as well:
• Smoking only when entirely off the property
• Storing food in sealed containers indoors (bears can break into cars if they smell something good!)
• Keeping pets on lead, cleaning up after them and walking them only in the designated area (to protect them from predators and prevent the pet's scent from discouraging wildlife from appearing.)
• Protecting all children under the age of 16 through uninterrupted parental supervision. Magic Pond is an extremely dangerous place for unattended children.
• Being sensitive to the privacy and quiet-time needs of others (headphones are strongly recommended for music listening).
• Respecting the private property of neighbors and farmers. (Trespassing on an agricultural field can spread disease from one field to another. Entire annual incomes for families in the region have been wiped out this way!)
• Illegal activity, intoxication, aggression or other behavior that threatens the well-being of Magic Pond and/or guests can lead to termination of a stay without refund. (That might be putting it harshly, but in northern Maine thoughtlessness can quickly lead to a fatality and pollution can irreversibly maim huge animal populations. Guests who are meant to be here appreciate knowing how seriously caring for the land is taken.)
IF, WHILE YOU ARE HERE, YOU'RE UNSURE of which way is the greenest way to do something, please don't hesitate to get another opinion. We're all on this beautiful little planet together, and inventing earth-loving solutions in gratitude is hardly an imposition!
