We are a leading change agency for reuse. 

We’re accelerating the transition to a new reuse economy that is regenerative, circular and equitable by normalizing reuse, growing and supporting the reuse industry, and creating an enabling policy environment for reuse.  

Reuse Features

Upstream’s strategic vision for change

Putting reuse into practice.

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Looking upstream: The linear economy & its social impacts
Looking upstream: The linear economy & its social impacts

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. 

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Reuse & climate: action for governments to take
Reuse & climate: action for governments to take

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.

What we do

We facilitate reuse networks

We create an enabling policy environment

We normalize reuse

We grow & support reuse systems

US & Canada Policy Tracker

All the reuse policies that have passed at the local and state/provincial level, collected in one spot.

reusable straws and accessories at a coffee shop

Pass Policy

Chart-Reuse Case Studies

Three stories of early adopters of Chart-Reuse, and the data that helped them advance their reuse projects.

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Switch to Reuse

The Conscious Cafeteria Report

A national pilot study on reusable foodware for healthier, more sustainable schools

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Reuse Research

Grant opportunities for reuse

Upstream's Reuse Funding Tracker is dedicated to monitoring incentives and grants that could be used to support projects related to source reduction of disposable packaging and foodware.

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Act Locally

Make way for the new kid on the block!

  • Support

    Contribute to an indisposable future

    Donate
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  • Join leaders and entrepreneurs developing policy and infrastructure

    Join Now
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Follow us on social

📣 Shoutout to the student environmental activists in York, Maine, who helped pass a ban on single-use plastic utensils and straws that also requires reusables for onsite dining! Their efforts earned them a well-deserved award from the Natural Resour
🌍 The current linear economy harms both people and the planet, especially marginalized communities exposed to pollution from extractive industries. But with reuse, there’s hope!🙌✨ By transitioning to reuse systems, we can reduce harm, create
With COP29 around the corner in November, the key question is whether global leaders will prioritize reuse alongside renewable energy. It’s important we continue emphasizing the potential of reuse to significantly impact emission strategies and
Looking for funding to support your reuse project? 💸 Well, look no further than our Reuse Funding Tracker! This tool highlights grants and incentives from governments and private sources across the U.S. and Canada, all focused on reducing waste and