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.
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.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
July 2021
Adopting a compost procurement policy can benefit local suppliers, help develop new compost processing businesses, and reduce irrigation and fertilizer costs. The NRDC/ELI Model Compost Procurement Policy is intended to require municipalities to purchase finished compost products when appropriate for use in public projects such as landscaping, construction, and stormwater management—provided it is not cost-prohibitive to acquire. The version with commentaries includes analysis, examples, and alternative approaches.
Read More >
July 2021
Indoor radon exposure is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. every year. Radon gas can move from the ground to the air inside a building through cracks and other openings in the foundation. The only way to know the radon level in a particular building is to test the air in that building. Because elevated indoor radon levels have been found in all states, every state can benefit from establishing policies to promote radon testing and mitigation in child care facilities and other buildings.
Read More >
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.
Read More >