Act Locally
Want to activate change in your community? Upstream provides the resources and support you need to make the case that reuse wins for people, planet, and businesses’ bottom line.
Community Action Features
US & Canada Reuse Incentives and Grants Tracker
Upstream's Reuse Funding Tracker is dedicated to monitoring incentives and grants offered by municipalities, states/provinces, federal governments and private sources that could be used to support projects related to source reduction of disposable packaging and foodware.
Our Work to Support Local Action
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Skip the Stuff
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Funding Tracker
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Reuse Solutions Network
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Reuse for Onsite Dining
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Reuse in Schools
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Community Groups & Coalitions
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Model Policies
Local Action Tools
Reuse for onsite dining library
A comprehensive guide with tips, tricks and considerations in engaging local foodservice businesses to encourage them to switch to reuse.
Messaging Strategies for Reuse Advocates
Insights from reuse advocates well versed in reaching across the aisle.
Join a community group or coalition
There are over 25 groups across the US & Canada—and growing!
The Conscious Cafeteria Report
A national pilot study on reusable foodware for healthier, more sustainable schools
Join the
Reuse Solutions Network
Local leaders developing policy and infrastructure.
The reuse movement connected
The Reuse Solutions Network is a movement of activists, NGOs, business innovators, and government officials creating a world where reuse and refill are standard practice, with an emphasis of transitioning away from our current “one-way throw-away” economic model. The network supports leaders working across the U.S. and Canada to:
Join a learning and collaboration space that fosters insight into reuse policy and infrastructure solutions
Share resources, tools, and best practices on source reduction and reuse/refill concepts
Gather in dialogue with like-minded reuse leaders to support new initiatives
Catalyze and pass policies that promote reuse and reduce single-use products and packaging
Develop reuse infrastructure and financial opportunities for reuse initiatives
Accelerate the growth of innovative reuse businesses
90-minute meetings are held regularly throughout the year and focus on a specific topic, featuring guest speakers and presentations, followed by discussion/Q&A.
How riders on contracts — as well as calls for reuse in municipal RFPs — can accelerate reuse.