Everyone I’ve talked to is unhappy about the new big-box development in Bangor, not only by their aesthetics, but because of concerns for wildlife habitat that are being destroyed. What can we do about it? I have an idea that I’d like to see put on the books in Maine – all big boxes should have mandatory native-plant roof gardens.

This won’t solve the problem of habitat loss, but it could assist birds, bees and butterflies in their search for food among our football fields of wasteland rooftops. Big boxes should feel proud to donate a portion of their profits to making their buildings more “sustainable.” If we can make rooftop gardens happen, then maybe some of our helplessness will go away.

Holly Twining

Orono