Upstream

Upstream’s Reuse Solutions Network (RSN) and its subgroups provide valuable convening spaces for NGOs, entrepreneurs, local organizations, community leaders, and governments working to catalyze reuse ???? Besides accessing a digital forum for resource sharing and brainstorming, each group meets quarterly to focus on topics relevant to the moment in the world of reuse. This quarter’s topic for the RSN meeting was “Reuse as a climate solution, and its role in a just transition” ??? ???We shared 3 of their key takeaways in this post but you can read more at https://lnkd.in/dq365wpG #reuse?#reusable?#plasticfree?#thefutureisreusable?#reusewins?#choosetoreuse?#climateaction #justtransition #zerowaste #climatesolutions

The team at Upstream is excited to welcome two amazing new members! ????? Jennifer Carrigan, our Strategic Initiatives Director, is a behavior change and circular economy expert leading efforts to scale reuse. Madhavi Trikha, our Data Science Specialist, brings expertise in environmental and financial impact analysis to help organizations engage in reuse systems. Welcome, Jennifer and Madhavi! We can’t wait to see all the great things we’ll accomplish together. ?????? #upstreamsolutions #weheartreuse #betterwaythanthrowaway #indisposable #choosetoreuse #zerowaste

Join the Green Sports Alliance and Upstream for an in-depth look at the GSA Reuse Playbook—a resource for sports and entertainment venues considering transitioning to reusable serviceware ???? ??? Join Upstream’s CEO Crystal Driesbach on Thursday, October 17th, as she speaks with Brittany Saulsbury from the Moda Center / Portland Trail Blazers and Nelson Ventress from AEG, LA Live. They'll offer insights into the shift toward reuse, sharing case studies that highlight both the financial aspects and the environmental advantages to help guide informed decisions. ?? 11:30am ET / 8:30am PT / Online ?? Register at https://lnkd.in/eDMZyZaw #Reuse #CircularEconomy #GreenSports #GSAPlaybook #ClimateAction #GreenVenues

On a new episode of #TheIndisposablePodcast, listen in on a discussion from the Conservative States & Provinces subgroup. Randy Moorman of Eco-Cycle, Emma Haydocy of Surfrider, and Jeremy Drake of MT Plastic Free Missoula discuss the critical issue of preemption—“bans on bans”—and its impact on advancing reuse in conservative states ????? Hear firsthand from advocates working to challenge preemption laws, and discover strategies to overcome this significant barrier to passing local reuse policies. ?? Listen now at https://lnkd.in/eAwa7zdi #reuse #reusable #plasticfree #policychange #preemption #thefutureisreusable #reusewins #choosetoreuse #skipthestuff

Switching from single-use to reusable options for dine-in, take-out, and food delivery could lead to the creation of roughly 193,000 good, green jobs across the U.S. These roles would span various areas, including collection, reverse logistics, washing/sanitizing, and refilling/restocking. Reuse systems: ?? Are rooted in the local community ??? Build local infrastructure ?? Circulate money and resources within the same areas they’re generated What’s more, these systems produce far less waste and pollution than our current “throw-away” economy. While issues caused by climate change are daunting, knowing that the New Reuse Economy starts right here in our own neighborhoods offers a sense of hope. ????Learn more at our https://lnkd.in/esfNFHQ ?#climateaction?#greenjobs?#newreuseeconomy??#climatesolutions?#weheartreuse?#betterwaythanthrowaway?#indisposable #reusables

What is the best way to message reuse? ???? We asked members of our Local Deep Dives subgroup this question (made up of individuals, coalitions, and groups working on local policy and implementation), and they gathered to exchange ideas on the most effective messaging for reuse across different audiences. When reaching out to food-service businesses, it’s important to keep it specific. There’s a big difference between a small coffee shop and a large restaurant. Make sure your messaging is specific to the type of business you’re addressing and adjust it to fit their needs ???? ???Read more about how to message reuse to food service & local businesses, policymakers, schools, and event & large venues at https://lnkd.in/erYQw4Dw #reusables?#plasticfree?#saynotoplastic?#weheartreuse?#reusewins?#choosetoreuse #reuseproviders #smallbusiness #climateaction

Discover where reuse is thriving with our Wash Hub Map! ?? This tool was created to showcase the growing network of washing and supply chain logistics supporting returnable packaging across the U.S. and Canada ???? Transitioning to a circular reuse economy means seeing packaging as a service, not waste. Our map highlights the infrastructure that's making this shift possible, helping the industry reimagine supply chains for a sustainable future ? ???Check out the Wash Hub Map at https://lnkd.in/dqw35cmF #reuse?#reusable?#plasticfree?#upstream?#saynotoplastic?#betterwaythanthrowaway?#weheartreuse?#indisposable?#reusewins?#thefutureisreusable?#choosetoreuse #reuseproviders #smallbusiness

This year, 15 elementary schools across the US joined Upstream and Ahimsa in the Conscious Cafeteria project, exploring a healthier and more sustainable way forward for school meals by switching to reusable stainless steel trays ???? Here are just some of the findings & benefits: Reuse means equity. Low-income children often face high exposure to toxins and rely on free or reduced-cost school meals, with 43% of students in the pilot schools receiving these meals. Reusable stainless steel foodware helps reduce harmful chemical exposure and saves money, allowing schools to invest in healthier lunch programs. 66.7% of these schools agree: 'Reusable foodware will improve our students’ lunch experience.' ?? ?? Read the Conscious Cafeteria Project at https://lnkd.in/eeVENgit #ConsciousCafeteria #ZeroWasteSchools #reuse #reduce #circulareconomy #zerowastecommunity #zerowastebusiness #greenjobs #climateaction #upstream #reusables

On a new episode of #TheIndisposablePodcast, host Brooking Gatewood sits down with Jessica Gonzalez, founder of Happen Ventures, to discuss how her startup's creative logistics services are solving waste problems and supporting communities ???? Discover the scrappy matchmaking stories that have diverted over 80,000 tons of usable products from landfills, all while creating a new climate-conscious business niche in the circular economy. ?? Listen now at https://lnkd.in/eJWBzWpQ #reuse?#reusable?#plasticfree?#upstream?#saynotoplastic?#betterwaythanthrowaway?#weheartreuse?#indisposable?#reusewins?#thefutureisreusable?#choosetoreuse

In the early 2000s, Upstream was founded to address waste problems at their source, shifting the focus from managing waste to preventing it. By bringing together leaders from business, government, and nonprofits, the goal was to create lasting solutions ???? Today, we continue to focus on upstream solutions, from advocating for policy changes to working with businesses on industry-wide reuse initiatives. We believe the most impactful change starts at the source, and that’s where we focus our efforts. Learn more about how you can get involved at?upstreamsolutions.org?? #reuse?#reusable?#plasticfree?#upstream?#saynotoplastic?#weheartreuse?#indisposable?#reusewins?#thefutureisreusable?#choosetoreuse?#zerowaste #climateaction