Research Reports ELI publishes Research Reports available for free download that present the analysis and conclusions of the policy studies ELI undertakes to improve environmental law and policy. These reports contribute to education of the profession and disseminate diverse points of view and opinions to stimulate a robust and creative exchange of ideas. Those publications, which express opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Institute, its Board of Directors, or funding organizations, exemplify ELI’s commitment to dialogue with all sectors.
A Toolkit for Incorporating Food Waste in Municipal Climate Action Plans
Linda Breggin, Akielly Hu, and Sam Koenig
July 2021

Climate change and food waste are two key challenges faced by municipalities across the country. Cities are on the front lines of efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They are also responsible for managing increasing volumes of solid waste and feeding the growing number of food insecure members of their communities. While cities are making headway in addressing both of these intractable challenges, many are missing a key opportunity to address them simultaneously—in their climate action plans.

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Model Compost Procurement Policy With Commentaries
Linda Breggin and Darby Hoover
July 2021

Composting is part of a holistic approach to reducing municipal food waste that also includes food waste prevention and rescue of surplus food.  By turning food scraps into a natural soil amendment that can be used in city gardens and landscaping and improve soil health and water retention without the use of artificial fertilizers, composting provides myriad benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic materials away from landfills where they emit methane.

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Model Compost Procurement Policy Without Commentaries
Linda Breggin and Darby Hoover
July 2021

Composting is part of a holistic approach to reducing municipal food waste that also includes food waste prevention and rescue of surplus food.  By turning food scraps into a natural soil amendment that can be used in city gardens and landscaping and improve soil health and water retention without the use of artificial fertilizers, composting provides myriad benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic materials away from landfills where they emit methane.

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Radon in Child Care: Review of State Policies
Tobie Bernstein
July 2021

All 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as many tribes and local governments, establish health and safety standards for licensed child care. This report discusses how state laws and regulations address one pollutant that may pose a health hazard at some child care facilities: Radon.

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Rebecca Kihslinger, Avi Li, and Heather Luedke
May 2021
For this study, we reviewed 103 local plans from eleven states to better understand to what extent they are incorporating nature-based actions. Our review provides a snapshot of the range of practice across local hazard mitigation plans across the country and identifies some example language that could be used by local governments in future plan updates. We conclude with a discussion of next steps for local governments to improve integration of nature-based actions into plans​. 
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