Discover the Reuse Revolution
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Reuse Wins: The environmental, economic, and business case for switching from single-use to reuse in food service
Why single-use compostables and bioplastics aren’t the answer
Bioplastics and compostable packaging are often presented as green substitutes to single-use plastic. But are they really better for the environment?
Why we can’t recycle our way out of the problem
It feels so good to put recyclables in the blue cart, right? But unfortunately, much of your “recyclables” actually end up in landfills, and more recycling won’t solve plastic pollution.
How single-use is making us sick
Most of us assume that the chemicals and materials used to make packaging are safe. But the reality is that most single-use packaging contains untested chemicals – and even ones that have been proven to cause health impacts at low levels.
Reuse vs. single-use: environment
Many of us intrinsically understand that reuse is better than single-use from an environmental standpoint. But what does the science say? The research shows that reuse beats single-use across every environmental metric.
Reuse vs. single-use: economics
The economics of reuse over single-use are clear and well-documented. The evidence shows transitioning from single-use to reuse can save businesses money and create new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.
Climate, Plastics & Reuse
A shift from the current extractive economy to a just and regenerative economy is necessary in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Reuse is a critical mechanism for solving the plastics and climate problems, and for facilitating a Just Transition. Learn more and download a Climate Action Resources Toolkit.
Reuse vs. single-use: safety
With the pandemic, the single-use packaging and plastics industry have been attempting to convince the public that reuse is unsafe and single-use is sterile. The reality according to science and health experts is that the opposite is true.
The new reuse economy
Reuse systems led by innovators are showing the way forward. The number of innovative new companies jumping into the reuse economy sector is growing exponentially.
Overcoming the challenges to reuse
Reuse requires rethinking how we deliver and consume. Many food businesses think switching to reusables will significantly increase labor costs, although the actual experiences do not support this view.
Start or join a reuse coalition
We know it’s hard to get started, but we can help you with the tools and resources you need to transform your community.
Reuse acceleration policies
We can accelerate reuse in our communities through passing polices that make sit-down dining disposable-free, and pave the way for reuse businesses to tackle to-go and delivery.
Deposit-refund systems and refillables
Economies and businesses have been using deposit-refund systems since the invention of packaging. Today, they play a valuable role in preventing litter, boosting collection for refill or recycling, and preserving the value of materials.
Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy tool making producers legally and financially responsible for mitigating the environmental impacts of their products and packaging.
Reuse in food service
Ready for your business to make the shift? We can help.
Reuse at venues and events
Venues are making the transition, and it’s getting easier to hold true zero waste events. Learn more.
Reuse in schools
You can transform your school. Learn how.
Reuse at home
In today’s fast-paced society, there’s a lot of single-use waste that comes into our homes. But there are concrete steps we can take to reduce it and change how we consume.
Reuse at work
Time to go green at the office. Coming soon!
Upstream Publications & Key Reports
Your go-to resource library for the most significant reuse publications and reports from Upstream and our partners.