EPR – aka extended producer responsibility – is a policy tool that holds consumer brands responsible for the environmental impacts of their products and packaging. Learn how EPR can move us toward a circular economy that follows the waste reduction hierarchy of reduce and reuse first, before recycling.

In honor of Black History Month, learn the past and present of today’s environmental justice (EJ) movement. Find out how environmental racism has played a role in the mistreatment of communities of color throughout United States history – and how reuse can help drive equal access to economic, social, and environmental opportunities.

Walk through the history – and future – of bottle bills (aka deposit-refund systems) and explore how bottle bills were used in the past and what caused the shift from this reuse–refill economic model to the modern-era throw-away system.

Learn about Upstream’s roots and the journey of the zero waste movement. From the history of waste management to the innovation of extended producer responsibility policies, see how far we’ve come today.

As we welcome 2022, Upstream is also welcoming four new members of our Board.

Celebrating our accomplishments in 2021 – and what’s in store for 2022.

At Upstream, we recognize that a lack of free, fair elections and democratic processes threatens our ability to move forward on every environmental issue of concern. One year ago, on January 6, we saw too many Americans who were willing to overthrow democracy to gain power and control. Racism is clearly linked to the anti-environment agenda, and it silences the voices of those who are most impacted by harm to our planet. Join us in standing up for voting rights.

This Giving Tuesday, we're elevating organizations solving environmental and social justice issues in marginalized communities. These causes are deeply connected to Upstream’s work and guiding principles. We hope you'll consider giving to a frontline group today and beyond.

Last night four heroes of the reuse movement were announced as winners of the National Reuse Awards (aka The Reusies) among an audience of policymakers, investors, corporate and NGO leaders, and other influential attendees working towards a world without waste.