Reuse works. Now, how do we fund it?
A new report by Earth Action shows promise for funding reuse
Despite a growing willingness among businesses to move away from the take-make-waste models of production and consumption, the absence of viable infrastructure and funding prevent the adoption of circularity at scale. Upstream recently consulted on a report with Earth Action, Moving Towards Outcomes-Based Financial Mechanisms for Waste Prevention, which addresses these issues. This ground-breaking report dives deep into the mechanics and potential of Outcomes-Based Waste Prevention (OBWP) to help solve the global problem of plastic pollution. By offering financial incentives for projects that demonstrate a measurable reduction in plastic waste, OBWP offers a pathway to bridge the funding gap and advance progress toward plastic pollution resolution—which is extra critical as we hone in on a Global Plastics Treaty.
“We believe that Outcomes-Based instruments for reuse will play a pivotal role in catalyzing investments in this space. We are hopeful that the frameworks developed by Earth Action through this report can help galvanize more financing towards scaling reuse solutions, as well as deploy them in an effective manner. This is crucial to accelerate the transition from our current throw-away economy to one that is regenerative, circular, and equitable.”
Learn more and download the report here.
Other key funding mechanisms: EPR & DRS
As packaging reduction laws like Extended Producer Responsibility and Deposit Return Systems have gained momentum, Upstream’s policy team has been working hard to ensure reuse provisions are worked into these bills. Learn more in this resource roundup about how EPR & DRS—particularly when enacted jointly—can help fund reuse infrastructure.