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.
Cover page of report featuring an underwater photo with plastic pollution on the surface. Report is titled "Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers."
Margaret Spring, Cecilia Diedrich, Therese Wilkerson, Jack Schnettler
March 2024

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the existing legal authorities the U.S. federal government can leverage to achieve the national goal of eliminating plastic release into the environment by 2040 while safeguarding human health and the environment. Building on the legal framework established by a Congressionally-mandated report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, the report categorizes federal authorities—spanning executive orders, legislation, regulations, and associated programs—into specific "intervention areas" across the plastic life cycle.

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Cover page of report featuring an underwater photo with plastic pollution on the surface. Report is titled "Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers."
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Environmental Law Institute
March 2024

This brief summarizes Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers, a report which identifies federal authorities—spanning executive orders, legislation, regulations, and associated programs—that can be used to address plastic pollution through interventions identified across the plastic life cycle. 

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Carol Adaire Jones
March 2024

Food Waste Initiative Co-Director Carol Jones submitted comments in response to EPA's notice of availablity of Version 16 of the Waste Reduction Model (WARM). The comments acknowledge various strengths of WARM and provide a number of recommendations.

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Date Labels
Linda Breggin
March 2024

The Resource Guide Series highlights five proven food waste prevention strategies: packaging design and use, date labels, meal prepping and kits, storage and freezing, and plate and portion size. Each Resource Guide covers one of the five topics, includes key tips as well as a list of helpful resources, and is organized into three charts each of which is tailored to a different audience—classrooms, households, and workplaces. 

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Meal Prepping and Kits
Linda Breggin
March 2024

The Resource Guide Series highlights five proven food waste prevention strategies: packaging design and use, date labels, meal prepping and kits, storage and freezing, and plate and portion size. Each Resource Guide covers one of the five topics, includes key tips as well as a list of helpful resources, and is organized into three charts each of which is tailored to a different audience—classrooms, households, and workplaces. 

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