Upcoming Events

Join us for livestreams and in-person speaking events around the US and Canada.

Mar
5
to Mar 7

SustPack 2025

Sustainability in Packaging US is the conference the packaging industry counts on for timely updates and firsthand industry insights into the emerging developments, notable market trends, and cutting-edge packaging solutions that are steering the supply chain towards an increasingly circular economy and sustainable future. Upstream CEO Crystal Dreisbach will be participating on the panel, Are consumers buying into reuse and refill?

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Mar
12

Global Reuse Summit

The Global Reuse Summit is back for a second year. It’s time to take reusable packaging to the mainstream, and this [free] digital event brings people together to make it happen. It couldn't be timelier; the burden single-use packaging places on people, planet and now profit is escalating. The world of refill and return offers an exciting global market opportunity and will protect the planet from the impacts of unnecessary single-use waste. Join City to Sea for critical conversations to power the transition and build confidence in the new reusable economy. It’s time to take reuse seriously. Online and in person options.

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Feb
12

The Vision & Playbook for Reuse in EPR: Expectations for a Best-in-Class PRO

As packaging EPR gets off the ground in U.S. states, the time is right to shine a spotlight on reuse. Upstream’s newest position paper breaks down exactly what to expect of a best-in-class producer responsibility organization (PRO) when it comes to supporting and planning for a transition to reusable packaging systems within EPR programs. This livestream will cover the key points from the paper and feature a lively discussion with public policy expert Elizabeth Balkan, plus Emmaneulle Bautista and Valentin Fournel, special guests from Citeo—a French packaging PRO poised to launch a large-scale reusable packaging program with its member brands. If you’re curious about how to advocate or plan for reuse in packaging EPR programs, this livestream is for you!

This program will run for one hour with an additional, optional 30 minute “speed networking” event at the end. This event is free, open to the public, and will be recorded and shared with all registrants (whether you can join us live or not). Space is limited, so please register today.

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Feb
10

Unwrap the Future III: Reuse and Zero Waste as the New Normal

Hear from extraordinary individuals who have created the opportunities, the infrastructures, and the local and state policies to do an end-run around plastic and waste. They are also exposing the presence of toxics in plastics in food packaging. They are giving new options to local restaurants.  They are engaging youth.  They are helping us change behavior, to say “No” to plastics and to waste.

Upstream CEO Crystal Dreisbach will be speaking about “The Reuse Landscape.”

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Dec
11

Reuse packaging and systems: 2024 year in review

The C40 Waste To Resources Network invites you to an end-of-year webinar on the state of reuse packaging and systems and what is in store for 2025.

Join Upstream reuse experts, CEO Crystal Dreisbach, and Policy Director Sydney Harris, for this 'year in review' session to see how the movement away from single use plastics and packaging towards more sustainable and circular reuse systems is evolving—and how cities can facilitate the adoption and success of reuse systems.

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Nov
20

Reuse Portal Strategic Dialogue on Reuse Infrastructure

This event, hosted by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Nature and Climate, will explore essential financing models, policy frameworks, and inspiring case studies in reusable packaging infrastructure. Join experts from Upstream. the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, UNEP, Starbucks, Closed Loop Partners, and more as we discuss collaborative pathways to a sustainable, circular economy.

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Oct
28

MRRA Meeting & Fall Workshop

Join Maine Resource Recovery Association for their 2024 Annual Meeting.

Sessions and Topics include:

  • Keynote Speaker: Sydney Harris from Upstream

  • DEP Update: EPR and Universal Waste

  • Food Waste Solutions here in Maine

  • SafetyWorks! Training: Fire Extinguisher/Emergency Action Plan.

  • Grant Session: Hear some Ideas and about the process to apply for a grant

  • SafetyWorks! Training: Supervisory Safety.

  • A virtual tour of Recology in San Francisco.

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Oct
17

Green Sports Alliance Playbook Webinar: REUSE

Join the Green Sports Alliance and Upstream for a deep dive into the GSA’s Reuse Playbook, a resource for sports and entertainment venues considering transitioning to reusable serviceware. Upstream provided guidance on the playbook, and CEO Crystal Dreisbach will be joined by Brittany Saulsbury, Moda Center / Portland Trail Blazers and Nelson Ventress, AEG, LA Live in this webinar geared toward all audiences interested in reuse. They will provide an overview of transitioning to reuse, plus case studies to guide decision-making by outlining cost considerations and environmental benefits.

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Jun
17
to Jun 19

GreenFin 24

GreenFin 24 is GreenBiz’s premier event for sustainable finance professionals harnessing the power of capital markets to realize a net zero economy. Form valuable connections with leading finance, investment and sustainability professionals, get up to speed on emerging trends, and discover the latest products and services to accelerate your organization's sustainability strategy.

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Jun
11
to Jun 13

Green Sports Alliance Summit

The 14th Annual Green Sports Alliance Summit returns as the largest and most influential gathering for the sports and entertainment community to unite around environmental and social sustainability. These industries are uniquely positioned to make a large-scale impact on pressing environmental and social issues, by decreasing the carbon footprint of many of our largest public spaces and mobilizing communities to take action. Faster, Further, Together: 2024 Green Sports Alliance Summit seeks to highlight best practices for enhancing performance and fostering a dialogue with stakeholders and fans about environmental stewardship and social justice.

Upstream CEO Crystal Dreisbach will be a featured speaker.

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Jun
3
to Jun 5

Overcoming Barriers to Circularity

2024 Summit for Recycling: Overcoming Barriers to Circularity

The 2024 Summit for Recycling will be focused on how to overcome barriers to foster an equitable, feasible, and sustainable circular economy. We will combine informational sessions with workshops, tours, and networking opportunities to facilitate the sharing of best practices, innovations, and plans for the future.

Upstream’s Reuse Network Manager Melissa Jung will be speaking about reuse opportunities for local governments.

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May
22
to May 24

Circularity 24

As the leading convening of professionals building the circular economy, GreenBiz’s Circularity 24 offers thought-provoking keynotes, actionable breakouts, a solutions-oriented expo and unparalleled networking opportunities. Join the growing community of visionaries and practitioners to move beyond incremental action, catalyze systems change and accelerate the circular economy. And don’t miss The Reusies 2024 on May 23 at 3:30pm!

Upstream followers get 20% off with code C24UPSTM.

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Heroes of Reuse: activating change in local communities
Apr
23

Heroes of Reuse: activating change in local communities

While creating a regenerative, circular and equitable economy requires the efforts of many stakeholders, community leaders across the country (who are often volunteering hours of their time) can play a major role in driving change, bringing people together and inspiring action.

In a special edition of Indisposable Live, we highlight this year’s three Reusies Activist of the Year winners – people who are co-creating a world without waste and advancing reuse in their communities.

Join Maria Gastelumendi, Founder of The Rising Loafer Cafe in Lafayette, CA, Kendra Schneider, owner of Takeout Takeout in Lansing, MI, and Alisa Shargorodsky, Director of ECHO Systems in Philadelphia, PA, for an engaging discussion on what it takes to activate change locally and help advance reuse.

From creating a more sustainable dining experience, to devising a reuse-based takeout system, to building networks of reuse practitioners, each will share their challenges and experiences working to make reuse the norm where they live and beyond.

This program will run for one hour with an additional, optional 30 minute “speed networking” event at the end. This event is free, open to the public, and will be recorded and shared with all registrants (whether you can join us live or not). Space is limited so please register today.

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Apr
23
to Apr 29

INC-4

The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), is scheduled to take place from 23 to 29 April 2024 at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada. The session will be preceded by regional consultations on 21 April 2024.

The advance copy of the Revised draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (UNEP/PP/INC.4/3), prepared by the INC Secretariat, is now available here. The final document will be made available in all six UN languages on the INC-4 website six weeks before the meeting.

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Apr
10
to Apr 11

REMADE Circular Economy Tech Summit & Conference

REMADE is pleased to invite you to attend the 2024 REMADE Circular Economy Technology Summit & Conference, which will take place Wednesday and Thursday, April 10-11, 2024, at the National Academy for Sciences Building, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., in Washington, D.C.

Those interested in accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy, including industry innovators, academic researchers, university students, and renowned experts from across the country and around the world, are strongly encouraged to attend. Members of the media are also welcome.

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Apr
2
to Apr 6

Zero Waste Forum

Join Race to Zero Waste and partners for the Zero Waste Forum & Annual International Dialogue. This event promises four engaging days of zero waste collaboration, education, and fun, while building on conversations from the International Day of Zero Waste.

The lineup includes the Zero Waste USA Intro to Zero Waste course, featuring esteemed international speakers affiliated with the Zero Waste International Alliance, alongside local Bay Area zero waste businesses and organizations. Enjoy informative tours, a vibrant festival, and more.

Upstream CEO Crystal Dreisbach will be presenting a keynote talk on Day 3 at the Zero Waste Forum & International Dialogue.

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Mar
28

Moving Towards Outcomes-Based Financial Mechanisms for Waste Prevention

Earth Action is holding a webinar in conjunction with the release of their report Moving Towards Outcomes-Based Financial Mechanisms for Waste Prevention, which will explore how to bridge the funding gap in mitigating plastic pollution and create tangible environmental outcomes over financial return through outcome-based financing.

The expert panel will be chaired by Sarah Perreard, Co-CEO and Stakeholder Engagement Lead of EA Earth Action, with support from rePurpose Global and Upstream.

Outcomes-Based Waste Prevention (OBWP) is an innovative financial mechanism that incentivizes the reduction of plastic waste and aims to bridge the funding gap and accelerate progress towards Global Plastics Treaty goals.

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Mar
20
to Mar 21

World Wildlife Fund Plastic Policy Summit 2

Building on WWF's inaugural Plastic Policy Summit in March 2023, Summit 2024 will bring together stakeholders across the plastics value chain to workshop and consider new initiatives that will address plastic pollution in the United States. The Summit will create a space that challenges all stakeholders to push beyond the status quo to align on what more is possible – especially as policy efforts advance at the local, state, federal, and global levels.

This event is invite-only. Upstream CEO Crystal Dreisbach and Policy Director Sydney Harris will each be speaking.

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Indisposable Live: Defining Reuse for Policymakers
Feb
15

Indisposable Live: Defining Reuse for Policymakers

As more EPR & DRS policies with reuse provisions 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.

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Feb
12
to Feb 14

GreenBiz 24

GreenBiz 24 is GreenBiz’s premier sustainability conference for business leaders seeking hands-on, tangible solutions in 2024. Join this growing community to recharge and learn what’s next in decarbonization, biodiversity, supply chains, strategic communications and much more — so you can continue to accelerate your impact and your career.

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