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.
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.
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.
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.
EPISODE 173: Cabinet Health is on a mission to eliminate plastic in pharmaceuticals, starting with a mail-in refill model.
EPISODE 172: Organizers in states where it is challenging to pass policy are still doing good work to reduce plastic waste and encourage reuse. Plastic Free MKE shares the story of their success.
Episode 171: Preemption laws—or “bans on bans”—can make it hard for localities in more conservative states to pass plastic reduction and reuse policies. Learn insights & workarounds from on-the-ground advocates in FL, CO, and MT.
Episode 170: Happen Ventures leverages logistics and partnerships to repurpose products and divert landfill waste.
Episode 169: A win-win model from MD Department of Aging: reusing durable medical equipment to increase access while saving money, carbon, and landfill waste.
Episode 168: PLAN’s Atlas Fellows launch a Reuse To-Go Manual & ROI Calculation Course to help college students make lasting changes in campus dining.
Episode 167: Leslie Bateman and Emily Watts, co-founders of shoe and leather repair company Coblrshop, share their journey in innovating an age-old craft.
Episode 166: Christiana Dujardin, lead analyst for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s groundbreaking report, Unlocking A Reuse Revolution - Scaling Returnable Packaging, shares insights & takeaways on designing a returnable packaging system that can compete across the board with single-use.
Episode 165: A recording of the summer Reuse Solutions Network meeting, which dives deep on the interrelation between single-use plastic, climate change, environmental justice, and a just transition to reuse.
Episode 164: How passion, persistence, and good data can go a long way in creating change—with Yayoi Koizumi, founder of Zero Waste Ithaca and co-founder of BYO-US Reduces.
Upstream's Reuse Funding Tracker monitors incentives and grants that could be used to support projects related to source reduction of disposable packaging and foodware.
Reducing resource consumption and improving production processes can develop more resilient, equitable systems that prioritize long-term sustainability for the economy, people, and the environment.
The importance of embedding reuse into climate action plans—and how measuring consumption-based emissions gives a far more accurate depiction of a municipality’s climate impact.
A conversation summary from the summer meeting of the Reuse Solutions Network.
Messaging strategies and talking points tailored to the four audience types that local advocates commonly target to promote reuse in food service.
A national pilot study on reusable foodware for healthier, more sustainable schools.
Three case studies from early adopters of Chart-Reuse, showing how customized data helped them leverage their cause and make the case for reuse.
A reuse service provider wanted to show stadiums the difference in carbon emissions between reusable cups and aluminum cans. A Chart-Reuse case study.
Students from a California high school wanted help convincing school administrators to replace the disposable bowl used in the cafeteria with a reusable one. With a little purchasing data and Chart-Reuse, we were able to show the impact of switching to reuse.
When city legislators required local data to consider Skip the Stuff legislation, a small community organization turned to Upstream for help. A Chart-Reuse case study.
NC Health News - July 23, 2024
Packaging Dive - July 17, 2024
Civil Eats - May 28, 2024
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A special episode of Indisposable Live (live!) held at Circularity 24 in Chicago.
Caroline Vanderlip of Re:Dish, Elizabeth Balkan of reLoop, Jennie Romer of the EPA, and Nicole Cerroni from L'Oreal discuss what they see as the single most promising way to advance reuse—moderated by Upstream CEO, Crystal Dreisbach.
This episode of Indisposable Live (live!) first aired at Circularity 24 in Chicago on May 23, 2024.