For Upstream and the Reuse Movement

2024 was a huge and impactful year at Upstream. We grew the Upstream Team, presented reuse as an economic strategy to the recycling industry, advocated for reuse with an increasing number of investors interested in this emerging economy, accelerated a shift to reuse across sectors, and witnessed growth across the movement. 

Please enjoy a few minutes watching our year in review.

2024 highlights include: 

• The creation of our new Strategic Initiatives Team, which give us the capacity and expertise to take on projects like our first-in-the-nation project at the Grand Canyon National Park

• Adoption of reuse targets—and application of targets as part of the rule-making progress—in EPR and/or DRS laws in Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Washington

• The publication of important research and guides led or supported by Upstream, including the Conscious Cafeteria Report, Myth-busting Cheat Sheet, Reuse is a Climate Solution, Wash Hub Map and Reuse for Onsite Dining Library; Green Sports Alliance’s Reuse Playbook; and Earth Action’s Outcomes-Based Financial Mechanisms for Waste Reduction

• The continued growth of the Reuse Solutions Network, now with over 1,300 members from across the U.S. and Canada

• Presenting our thought leadership at 25+ conferences, webinars, and panels

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the partner organizations, advocates and tireless reuse champions who worked with us on the aforementioned projects and more. Together we are accelerating a shift to a new reuse economy, one that is regenerative, circular, and equitable.

Upstream’s Board and staff, working and volunteering remotely across America, send gratitude to the families, individuals, foundations and businesses investing in our solutions. As a 501c3 non-governmental organization catalyzing new systems, our donors understand the imperative to invest in real solutions, not band-aid solutions. Without them, Upstream would not exist.

Lastly, please join us in giving a special shout-out to our business sponsors, many of whom came to us via 1% for the Planet, which connects businesses, individuals and nonprofits to protect the planet.

Have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy New Year.