Reuse requires rethinking how we deliver and consume

While reuse protects the environment, saves businesses money, and creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, there are challenges to developing and implementing new systems.

Some of these challenges are perceptual. Some involve overcoming the inertia of the status quo disposable paradigm. But in many communities and for many businesses, there are legitimate infrastructure and service gaps - especially for mainstreaming reusable takeout and delivery. We list some of the challenges below and offer potential solutions.

Fortunately, an incredible array of innovations is making it easier than ever for cafes, restaurants, professional offices, temporary venues and events, and college campuses to bring reusables into food and beverage services.  Upstream’s online catalog of reuse service providers tracks these innovators.