Upstream media
We work to normalize reuse by demonstrating the positive impacts of reuse, showcase reuse success stories, and making a compelling case for a transition to a new reuse economy. Much of this work happens via our media platforms: The Indisposable Podcast®, Indisposable Live®, our newsfeed, and our weekly newsletter.
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An engaging discussion on deposit return systems (DRS, or "bottle bills"), and why it's important that they incorporate the latest thinking on reuse solutions, funding, and incentives.
A candid discussion addressing successes, challenges, opportunities and calls for more cooperation across sectors to make the New Reuse Economy a reality.
Join Upstream and friends as we explore how best to incorporate waste prevention and reuse into one of the most popular waste policies - Extended Producer Responsibility.
Upstream's new Chief Strategy Officer, Priscilla Johnson, hosts a lively discussion with several reuse thought leaders on the ideation, experimentation and strategies needed to create a shift to a circular economy.
What are the guidelines, standards, and infrastructure required for an effective reuse economy? Join Upstream’s Chief Solutioneer/CEO, Matt Prindiville as he moderates an engaging and informative discussion with three special guests – Amy Larkin and Claudette Juska from PR3 and Olga Kachook from GreenBlue - who are putting the puzzle pieces together , “setting the standard for reuse” and helping to enable businesses to thrive in the growing circular economy.
As fans return to sporting arenas and music lovers celebrate the return of concerts and festivals, sustainability issues at events and venues are coming back into focus – specifically, what to do about the ever-present disposable plastic cup.
Upstream teamed up with the Safer States network to develop more comprehensive foodware reduction policies designed to help us move towards non-toxic reusables and phase out the most problematic chemicals and materials from disposable food packaging. Miriam Gordon from Upstream and Renée Sharp from Safer States present their shared vision for the next generation of foodware policies.
Check out what viewer Edward Wrenn from Pittsburgh called “the best hour and a half I have ever spent!” as Upstream CEO Matt Prindiville interviews reuse entrepreneurs Keiko Niccolini (r.Cup/r.Ware), Lauren Sweeney (DeliverZero), and Paul Liotsakis (Sparkl). Learn how our guests started their businesses, their plans for the future, how they’re adapting – and even thriving – during the pandemic, and how you can help bring their services to your own community
As restaurants move toward reopening, many health experts have been saying plastic food packaging doesn’t provide any better protection against the COVID-19 pandemic – in fact, it presents a significant risk to human health. Leading up to World Health Day on April 7, Upstream held a media briefing to look into another potential global health crisis, this time brought about by plastic and the toxic chemicals in our food packaging.
Episode 155: The town of Banff was among the first in Canada to pass a comprehensive single-use item reduction bylaw. Hear from Environmental Coordinator Carla Bitz about the grassroots efforts that spurred the journey to passing this policy, plus successes and challenges along the way.
Episode 154: Reusable LA co-leaders Emily Parker and Alison Waliszewski share some key insights about advocating for Reuse for Onsite Dining and other reuse policy within their community.
Episode 153: The audio version of Upstream’s Feb 15, 2024 livestream all about how to properly define reuse in policy—and why it’s important to distinguish between returnable vs. refillable packaging.
Episode 152: How compostable are bioplastics really? The answer: it depends. Learn more from Dr Lisa Erdle of the 5 Gyres Institute.
Episode 151: Perpetual is working to bring reuse to everyone by collaboratively designing reuse systems in mid-side cities across America.
Episode 150: More on navigating the challenges and opportunities in moving toward a new reuse economy built on principles of equity and justice for all.
Episode 149: A candid discussion on an equitable vision of a new reuse economy and aligning on how we talk about a Just Transition toward non-toxic reuse - a Reuse Solutions Network recast.
Episode 148: Executive Director of Plastic Free Restaurants John Charles Meyer returns to update us on progress made and lessons learned in funding foodservice establishments to switch to reuse.
Episode 147: Reuse Seattle collaborators McKenna Morrigan and Moji Igun share the inspiring story of the coalition’s growing success since we first chatted with them.
Episode 146: Dan Vukelich, The Reusies 2023 Activist of the Year, shares how 20+ years of working to reduce waste in hospitals is really gaining traction.
We did not “ask” for our packaging to be disposable. Why should companies wait for consumers to “ask” for reusable products and packaging?
A significant body of evidence indicates that given the choice, people would choose reusables. Here’s a resource roundup—and another side of the coin.
Learn more about The Reusies 2024.
A recap of the Reuse Solutions Network Q1 meeting on lessons learned from cup fee repeals.
A new report dives deep into the mechanics and potential of Outcomes-Based Waste Prevention (OBWP) to help solve plastic pollution.
How do you get customers to return to a system of reusable containers when they have been trained for years to throw them away when they are finished? Reuse businesses around the world are trying to answer this question.
Reusable LA co-leaders Alison Waliszewski and Emily Parker share insights into advocating as a community for reuse for onsite dining and other policy wins.
Definitions in policymaking matter, especially when it comes to defining reusable packaging. Here is what Upstream recommends.
A summary and resources from the Feb 15, 2024 livestream on the importance of defining “reuse” in the policy context.
At its root, the reuse movement is a social and environmental justice movement.
Environmental Health News - March 11, 2024
North Carolina Health News - Feb 20, 2024
Waste Dive - Oct 11, 2023
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Even as we see increased momentum behind EPR, DRS and other policies involving reuse, the definitions of “reuse” are scattered and often ill-conceived. Now is the time to properly define reusable packaging—and especially differentiate between returnable and refillable packaging—in the policy context.
Even as EPR, DRS and other promising policies involving reuse are being developed, the definitions of “reuse” are scattered and often ill-conceived. Now is the time to properly define reusable packaging—and especially differentiate between returnable and refillable packaging—in the policy context.
We dig into this rich topic in Upstream's Feb 15th, 2024 installment of Indisposable Live (our livestream series). Learn from Zero Waste Europe’s Nathan Dufour about the recommendations outlined in ZWE’s "Packaging Refill vs. Packaging Prevention" report, as well as from Oceana’s Matt Littlejohn about global examples of reuse at scale. Upstream’s Policy Director and discussion moderator Sydney Harris explains the different types of reuse, offers some do’s and don’ts within the policy landscape, and shares Upstream’s own recommended definition of reuse—in hopes of moving us all forward in passing truly effective reuse policy.
For a full roundup of links, see our Key Takeaways blog post