Real world impact at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most beloved natural wonders in the world. Every year, nearly six million people travel from across the globe to stand on its rim — millions of visitors seeking the restoration, inspiration, and reflection that only comes from experiencing such epic and ancient marvels of nature. We all share a responsibility to preserve its legacy for future generations.

However, a quiet culprit is threatening the canyon’s present and future. Every year, visitors create hundreds of tons of trash — some of it ending up as litter throughout the canyon and waterways, and the rest becoming pollution in landfills. When visitors buy food and drinks at Grand Canyon National Park, creating trash is their only option. Each year, 5 million single-use food containers are used for mere minutes and then thrown away.

This single-use, throw-away model runs directly counter to the conservation spirit of our national parks system. And it mars the experience for visitors — many coming to the park seeking reconnection to nature and escape from the fast-paced, disposable culture that surrounds their everyday lives. 

The Grand Canyon deserves a food service system that prioritizes stewardship over a poorly-designed status quo.

That’s why Upstream is spearheading an historic transformation of takeout food service at the 16 dining sites across Grand Canyon Village. We are designing and implementing the largest reuse system ever launched in a U.S. national park. By replacing single-use disposables with high-quality, reusable foodware that is washed, sanitized, and returned to service, we are building a “circular” economy within the park.