ULS Research Reports

SEPTEMBER, 2008 - Report on Field Trip to San Francisco to Assess Plastic Bag Ban
Is the ban on plastic bags having the intended results? Is less waste being created, is less material being used, and are more reusable totes being taken to market? This qualitative study covered consumer and retailer activities in the City's grocery and drug stores.

• Field Report on City of San Francisco Plastic Bag Ban
   

MARCH, 2008 - Revised Analysis of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Relating to Grocery Bags
This is an updated version of the study published in June 2007 (below). It includes an additional peer reviewed study and no longer includes data subsequently removed from EPA websites. Additionally, data has been normalized to reflect differences in carrying capacity between paper and plastic bags.

• Review of Research Comparing the Environmental Impact of Paper vs. Plastic Bags, Revised
   

NOVEMBER, 2007 -- Analysis of Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Data Relating to Milk Containers
Which half gallon milk container produces the smallest environmental burden in terms of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions or post-consumer waste creation -- the one produced from corn-based polymers, the typical high density polyethylene jug, the paperboard carton, or the glass bottle? The results will probably surprise you:

• Review of Research Comparing the Environmental Impact of Milk Containers
   
• Original Franklin Associates Report
   
• Accompanying Press Release
   

JUNE, 2007 - Analysis of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Data Relating to Grocery Bags
The City of San Francisco has banned plastic bags from many grocery and drug stores. The objective was to reduce environmental impact and litter. An analysis of highly credible, peer reviewed data from around the world indicates that this ban, and others now being considered, will not produce the intended results. Read the Summary to learn why:

• Review of Research Comparing the Environmental Impact of Paper vs. Plastic Bags
   
• Accompanying Press Release
   

FEBRUARY, 2007 - Updated Packaging Efficiency Study
This study updates the original one prepared in 1995. Since then, there are many new and different types of packaging on the market. But one thing hasn't changed: source reduction, or waste prevention, can play the dominant role in creating more sustainable packaging. Read the Report to learn how and why:

• 2007 Packaging Efficiency Study  -- Press Release
         
• 1995 Packaging Efficiency Study
   

DECEMBER, 2006 -- New Report on Environmental Differences
Between PLA and PET, PP, PS is Reviewed by Us
You've probably heard or read about PLA, a new plastic made from corn. There's been a lot
of speculation about whether or not PLA, which is made from a renewable resource, is a more sustainable plastic than traditional resins made from petroleum or natural gas. In the spirit
of looking for the truth, we just finished examining a life cycle inventory (LCI) study that was commissioned to study this issue. The results might surprise you -- unless, of course,
you're a faithful reader who knows the value of using less stuff.

You can get the study, and the press release about it, by clicking below:

• ULS Review of LCI Study
   
• ULS Press Release

 

Speaking of Source Reduction...

Many people have asked us to once again make available 42 Ways to Trim Your Holiday Wasteline.
Happy to oblige.

We also helped create a middle school source reduction curriculum for the National Science
Teachers Association (NSTA). Give it a once-over.

Check out our book, now available used (and cheap!):

 

 

For more information, send e-mail to use-less-stuff@comcast.net or contact us at 248-726-9729.