ILSR’s Facts to Act On are a series of articles covering a wide range of topics on recycling, waste management, and grassroots organizing. Issues released since 2000 are now available online. Back issues can be ordered.
We encourage you to disseminate this information to community advocates and decision-makers. Please credit the Institute for Local Self-Reliance when you use ILSR’s Facts to Act On.
Back Issues Available Online
Are Polystyrene Food and Beverage Containers a Health Hazard? #5 August 15, 1990
Summarizes a paper by George Baggett on the neurological, hematologic, cytogenic, and carcinogenic effects of styrene ingestion. Polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, contains remnants of styrene. (Refer to #22 and #23 for related information.)
Polystyrene Industry Responds to FACTS TO ACT ON No. 5, “Are Polystyrene Food and Beverage Containers a Health Hazard?” #22, June 14, 1991
The industry response seeks to establish that there is no cause for concern. (See #23 too.)
George Baggett’s Response to the Polystyrene Industry’s Review of “Styrene Migration into Human Adipose Tissue” #23, June 14, 1991
George Baggett, the author of FTAO #5, presents a rebuttal to the industry’s argument.
Fighting Waste Industry Consolidation with Local Ownership of Recycling Facilities #42, November 8, 2002
Examines how recycling — and local or public ownership of recycling facilities in particular — is a key to breaking the pending monopolization of the waste industry. Recycling is not only an environmental strategy, but also a strategy for nurturing competition and keeping discard management costs low.
Asian Countries Jump on the EPR Bandwagon #41, January 25, 2002
Features policies introduced in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan to make manufacturers take more responsibility for the products and packaging they produce. Korea, for instance, has instituted deposit-refund systems, non-refundable product fees, and design requirements for packaging. The country also has restrictions on the distribution of disposable goods.
Local Initiatives Leverage Extended Producer Responsibility #40, November 20, 2000
Describes local initiatives to spur extended producer responsibility such as networking with industry in a voluntary approach, passing local resolutions, banning products that harm the environment, and developing purchasing protocols that encourage environmentally sound products. Efforts in Los Angeles, the Pacific Northwest, Minnesota, and elsewhere are covered. Includes links to actual resolutions and ordinances and where to find more information.
Product Stewardship in British Columbia #39, October 2000
Examines product stewardship programs and policies in place in British Columbia, Canada: its deposit-refund system for beverage containers and its household hazardous waste stewardship program (covering used motor oil, paints, solvents, flammable liquids, domestic pesticides, gasoline, and pharmaceuticals).
If you want to be notified of the availability of future Facts to Act On, send an email to Brenda Platt at bplatt@ilsr.org.
