The Reusies: Virtual awards show for Reuse Movement in the U.S. celebrates heroes of a world without waste on September 30

NEW YORK (August 17, 2021) - Upstream, a non-profit sparking innovative solutions to plastic pollution, today announced the nominees of the first-ever virtual National Reuse Awards (aka The Reusies), which will take place Thursday, September 30. Presented in partnership with circular economy-focused investment firm and innovation center, Closed Loop Partners, the awards show will be hosted by TV personality and science communicator Danni Washington and will celebrate the heroes of reuse. 

Tickets to attend the event and sponsorship honoring Most Innovative Reuse Company, Activist of the Year, Fan Favorite Reuse Company, and Most Impactful Community Leadership are available as of today. The final winners will be announced during the show.

“The Reusies is a celebration of the pioneers and innovators of the growing reuse economy," said Matt Prindiville, CEO and chief solutioneer at Upstream. "The individuals and organizations we are recognizing are launching innovative new ideas to protect the planet. They're charting a future where we get what we want and need without all the waste.”

The nominees for Most Innovative Reuse Company are: Algramo, Rheaply, and TURN.               

The nominees for the remaining three categories are:

• Fan Favorite Reuse Company (which the audience can vote on during the show): Blueland, Just Salad, Plaine Products, Saalt, and Stojo

• Most Impactful Community Leadership: ReusableLA and Zero Waste Humboldt 

• Activist of the Year: Craig W. Cadwallader - Policy Coordinator, Surfrider Foundation (South Bay Chapter); Crystal Dreisbach - Founder, Green to Go and Executive Director, Don't Waste Durham; Anukampa Freedom Gupta-Fonner - Chief Imagineer, Design By Freedom  

Award winners (except for Fan Favorite Reuse Company) will be selected by a combined panel of judges and public voting. Judges include:

• Ashima Sukhdev, Programs Lead – North America, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

• Benjamin Von Wong, visual artist, activist, influencer 

• Christian Kaufholz, Head of Affiliate Programs & Knowledge Development, Global Plastic Action Partnership, World Economic Forum

• Danni Washington, TV personality, science communicator, ocean advocate 

• Elizabeth Segran, senior staff writer, Fast Company  

• Erin Simon, Head of Plastic Waste & Business, World Wildlife Fund 

• Lauren Singer, founder and CEO, @PackageFreeShop and @TrashIsForTossers 

• William McDonough, Chief Executive, McDonough Innovation and Co-author, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things

Added Kate Daly, managing director at Closed Loop Partners, on why they chose to be a presenting partner: “Reuse is critically important in addressing the global waste challenge. We are joining forces with Upstream to bring attention to the incredible ecosystem of innovators that are paving the way toward a more circular future. This builds on our existing work in the space, as we research, test and invest in leading solutions that keep valuable materials in circulation for longer.”

The dynamic event will be emceed by Danni Washington and streamed online on Thursday, September 30 at 4:00PM PT / 7:00PM ET and will include performances by singer Kori Withers, video montages, the award presentation, and a panel discussion on why reuse wins for the environment and economy by sparking innovation and entrepreneurship. There will also be a live VIP session immediately after the show with speed networking in online breakout rooms. 

Tickets go on sale at www.TheReusies.org today at an early-bird price of $10 for general admission (one screen) through August 31 (after that, the cost for a general admission ticket will increase to $25). VIP Tables (which include 10 screens, access to the VIP after show and other perks) are available for purchase at $2,500. Category-exclusive sponsorship and brand integrations are also available.  For more information, email amanda@upstreamsolutions.org or visit the event website.

About Upstream: 

Upstream is an environmental non-profit sparking innovative solutions to plastic pollution by helping people, businesses and communities shift from single-use to reuse. The organization’s first-ever National Reuse Awards (aka The Reusies), will take place virtually on September 30.To learn more about all Upstream programs, visit www.upstreamsolutions.org and follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube. 

About Closed Loop Partners:

Closed Loop Partners is a New York-based investment firm comprised of venture capital, growth equity, private equity, project-based finance and an innovation center focused on building the circular economy. The firm has built an ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs, industry experts, global consumer goods companies, retailers, financial institutions, and municipalities, bridging gaps and fostering synergies to scale the circular economy.