We're Back! Welcome to...  The ULS Report TM

For many years, The ULS Report was a bi-monthly newsletter created to help
people Use Less Stuff by conserving resources and reducing waste. It took a
common-sense approach to waste prevention, relying on facts and figures rather
than simply rising and falling with the tides of public opinion. The report is written
in a concise, easy-to-read style that mixes a dollop of entertainment with its informational
content. Popular articles included 'How to be an eco-friendly couch potato,' and 'Putting
packaging on a diet.' Regular features include shopping tips, a reader Q&A, Reduction
Roundup, and a column by garbologist Dr. William Rathje, co-author of the bestselling
book Rubbish! (and along with Editor Bob Lilienfeld, co-author of Use Less Stuff -- the book).

Because of all the revived interest in packaging and the environment, we're publishing once again.
Here is our April-May-June 2008 issue! Got comments? Visit www.uls-report.blogspot.com.

 

ULS Research Reports & Other Good Stuff

NOVEMBER, 2008 - Holiday Tips
We haven't updated our holiday tip sheet in a few years. Shame on us! While our original ideas
are still valid (see the bottom of this page for our classic "42 Ways" piece), we've added 10 new,
easy-to-do tips that reflect current needs to save energy and increase recycling:

• Tips to Trim Your "Waste-Line' This Holiday Season
   

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   Accompanying Press Release
   
• Original Franklin Associates Report
  
   

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.

 

                                              Copyright 1994 -2008 Robert Lilienfeld. All rights reserved.
Use Less Stuff, The ULS Report, and Reduction Roundup are trademarks of The ULS Report and Bob Lilienfeld.