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Reuse 101

Everything you need to know to make the case for reuse in your community.

Reuse Learning Toolkits

Informational overviews of topics to help you learn the ins and outs of reuse, with a rich library of resources at the bottom of each page for a deeper dive into the topic.

Reuse Reports by Upstream

For other key reports regarding reuse, see our Research page.

Reuse 101 Articles

Upstream insights & news
Key takeaways from the Resource Recycling Conference
Community Action, Policy, Reuse 101, Notes from the field
Key takeaways from the Resource Recycling Conference
Community Action, Policy, Reuse 101, Notes from the field

Upstream’s first appearance at this conference geared toward waste management professionals and government staff.

Community Action, Policy, Reuse 101, Notes from the field
Expanding the conversation
Community Action, Policy, Reuse 101, Notes from the field
Expanding the conversation
Community Action, Policy, Reuse 101, Notes from the field

Upstream's Cerise Bridges offers her “notes from the field” after attending a conference about Chicago’s new sustainability law.

Community Action, Policy, Reuse 101, Notes from the field
What else makes an effective LCA for reuse?
Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101, Policy, Reuse Research
What else makes an effective LCA for reuse?
Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101, Policy, Reuse Research

How to effectively use LCAs as a tool to leverage and scale reuse systems.

Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101, Policy, Reuse Research
What makes an effective LCA for reuse?
Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101, Policy, Reuse Research
What makes an effective LCA for reuse?
Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101, Policy, Reuse Research

To make a strong case for reuse and to build optimal systems, we need to use a systems approach in our LCAs.

Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101, Policy, Reuse Research
Big brands can—and must—be changemakers
Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101
Big brands can—and must—be changemakers
Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101

We did not “ask” for our packaging to be disposable. Why should companies wait for consumers to “ask” for reusable products and packaging?

Business, Myth Busting, Reuse 101
Incentivizing return in reuse systems
Policy, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101, Myth Busting
Incentivizing return in reuse systems
Policy, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101, Myth Busting

How do you get customers to return to a system of reusable containers when they have been trained for years to throw them away when they are finished? Reuse businesses around the world are trying to answer this question.

Policy, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101, Myth Busting
Why a reuse economy is a just economy
Equity & Inclusion, Reuse 101, Community Action, Business, Climate
Why a reuse economy is a just economy
Equity & Inclusion, Reuse 101, Community Action, Business, Climate

At its root, the reuse movement is a social and environmental justice movement.

Equity & Inclusion, Reuse 101, Community Action, Business, Climate
Ship joyfully with reusable mailers
Policy, Reuse 101
Ship joyfully with reusable mailers
Policy, Reuse 101

Reusable mailer options for shipping your holiday gifts this season.

Policy, Reuse 101
"Lessons" from Starbucks Reusable Cups Pilot
Business, Reuse 101, Overview
"Lessons" from Starbucks Reusable Cups Pilot
Business, Reuse 101, Overview

We don’t need consumer behavior change, we need systems change, initiated by leading brands.

Business, Reuse 101, Overview
Making throw-away go away
Reuse 101
Making throw-away go away
Reuse 101

Upstream's Macy Zander introduces new solutioneers to what they can do to help the single-use waste crisis, today.

Reuse 101
Reuse wins for the climate, too
Community Action, Reuse 101, Reuse Research, Climate
Reuse wins for the climate, too
Community Action, Reuse 101, Reuse Research, Climate

Conversation about the climate crisis tends to center on vehicles and the power grid. But the one-way throw-away economy is also a major factor. Here’s how you can help.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Reuse Research, Climate
Top Takeaways from the 2023 BFFP Global Meeting
Reuse 101, Community Action
Top Takeaways from the 2023 BFFP Global Meeting
Reuse 101, Community Action

At the end of March, more than 100 core members from dozens of countries convened for the first global meeting of the BFFP movement since before the pandemic. Here are some key takeaways.

Reuse 101, Community Action
The Reuse Outreach Playbook
Community Action, Reuse 101
The Reuse Outreach Playbook
Community Action, Reuse 101

An everyday guide for conducting reuse outreach & education at food businesses.

Community Action, Reuse 101
How to do reuse at home
Reuse 101, Community Action
How to do reuse at home
Reuse 101, Community Action

There’s a lot of single-use waste that comes into our homes. But there are concrete steps we can take to reduce it.

Reuse 101, Community Action
Organizing for Reuse: Local Changemakers in Action
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
Organizing for Reuse: Local Changemakers in Action
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101

When it comes to changing something as entrenched as the throw-away culture, the real changemakers are local community members and their elected officials – people who are passionate about saving the planet and ready to innovate new approaches.

Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
A historic treaty to beat plastic pollution
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
A historic treaty to beat plastic pollution
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101

On Wednesday, representatives from 175 nations agreed to draft a global treaty that would start to tackle the exponentially growing amount of plastic pollution that we’re facing – essentially a Paris Agreement for plastics.

Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Reuse Coalition
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Reuse Coalition
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101

After launching a few reuse coalitions ourselves (and supporting others to do the same), we offer the following best practices to help you think about what might work best in your community.

Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
840 billion single-use products could be replaced by new reuse service economy
Press Release, Policy, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101
840 billion single-use products could be replaced by new reuse service economy
Press Release, Policy, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101

Reuse Wins, a new report from Upstream, shows how a new reuse economy is emerging to replace the use of single-use products in food service. The key findings in the report draw from life-cycle studies that compare the environmental impacts of disposables versus reusables, and project the potential cost savings to business and local government from transitioning to a new reuse economy.

Press Release, Policy, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101
The New Wave of Recycling: Refilling
Business, Reuse 101
The New Wave of Recycling: Refilling
Business, Reuse 101

Our recycling system is broken. Now, it’s time for consumers and businesses to adopt recycling’s stronger sister: reusing.

Business, Reuse 101
Self Care Tips from a Small Nonprofit Working to Save the World from Plastic
Community Action, Reuse 101
Self Care Tips from a Small Nonprofit Working to Save the World from Plastic
Community Action, Reuse 101

The pressure to save the world amidst the evolving climate crisis gets bigger by the minute, and it can be daunting and disheartening. In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, this brought me to a question that anyone facing such heavy circumstances, at any moment, needs to know the answer to: How can I practice mental self care when I start to feel small and dejected?

Community Action, Reuse 101
You can help your favorite restaurant go disposable-free. Here’s how.
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
You can help your favorite restaurant go disposable-free. Here’s how.
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101

Handy insights, tips, and talking points for approaching food service businesses to help them save money and the planet at the same time.

Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
Why we need to “Break Free From Plastic” AND embrace reuse
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
Why we need to “Break Free From Plastic” AND embrace reuse
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101

Because the Break Free From Plastic Act does not currently focus on reusables, we organized a working group to develop recommendations for building reusable/refillable requirements into the Act and have been communicating these ideas to the authors of the legislation.

Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
From As You Sow: Using Shareholder Pressure to Get Big Brands to Clean up Plastic Pollution
Community Action, Reuse 101
From As You Sow: Using Shareholder Pressure to Get Big Brands to Clean up Plastic Pollution
Community Action, Reuse 101

As You Sow uses shareholder advocacy to press publicly-traded companies to improve their social and environmental practices and policies.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Jumpstarting a just recovery at home
Community Action, Reuse 101
Jumpstarting a just recovery at home
Community Action, Reuse 101

We’re excited to share an idea (and an offer) to start replacing single-use with reuse in your own home today.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Impossible is a dare
Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101
Impossible is a dare
Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101

We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remake the society that we return to, to #ReturnToBetter rather than #ReturnToNormal.

Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101
Jumpstarting the new normal: Return to better
Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101
Jumpstarting the new normal: Return to better
Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101

We CAN have a future with a strong, equitable, and just economy that reduces climate impacts and plastic pollution.

Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101
The future is indisposable: 7 questions to start the new normal now
Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101
The future is indisposable: 7 questions to start the new normal now
Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101

How can we co-create the future we all want to live in?

Covid, Community Action, Reuse 101
The dirty truth about disposable foodware
Policy, Reuse Research, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101
The dirty truth about disposable foodware
Policy, Reuse Research, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101

Overbrook report details the economic costs to businesses and cities from disposable foodware.

Policy, Reuse Research, Community Action, Business, Reuse 101
Report Finds Plastics and Food Packaging Pose Global Health Threat, Nearly 200 Groups Call for Urgent Action
Press Release, Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
Report Finds Plastics and Food Packaging Pose Global Health Threat, Nearly 200 Groups Call for Urgent Action
Press Release, Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101

Nearly 200 environmental and public health organizations​ released an urgent ​Call to Action​ in response to a peer-reviewed consensus​ statement signed ​by 33 world-renowned ​scientists. It warns that chemicals used in food packaging pose numerous threats to human health.

Press Release, Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
Greenpeace recycling report: plastics recycling isn’t working, but this creates new opportunities for reduce and reuse
Reuse Research, Community Action, Reuse 101
Greenpeace recycling report: plastics recycling isn’t working, but this creates new opportunities for reduce and reuse
Reuse Research, Community Action, Reuse 101

Plastics recycling isn’t working, but this creates new opportunities for reduce and reuse.

Reuse Research, Community Action, Reuse 101

Reuse 101 Podcasts

The Indisposable Podcast
The keys to a reuse revolution
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
The keys to a reuse revolution
Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101

Episode 166: Christiana Dujardin, lead analyst for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s groundbreaking report, Unlocking A Reuse Revolution - Scaling Returnable Packaging, shares insights & takeaways on designing a returnable packaging system that can compete across the board with single-use.

Policy, Community Action, Reuse 101
From cafeteria to community: students launch reuse
Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy, Schools
From cafeteria to community: students launch reuse
Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy, Schools

Episode 160: Inspiring Berkeley High School students Sophie Horvath and Joshua Swift-Rawal share their journey in advocating for reuse at their school and beyond.

Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy, Schools
A reuse playbook for stadiums
Business - Events, Business, Reuse 101
A reuse playbook for stadiums
Business - Events, Business, Reuse 101

Episode 159: Join the Green Sports Alliance, Portland Trail Blazers, and Bold Reuse to learn about winning off-the-field with reuse at stadium events.

Business - Events, Business, Reuse 101
Indisposable Fabrics
Business, Reuse 101
Indisposable Fabrics
Business, Reuse 101

Episode 129: A deep dive into sustainability considerations for textiles and apparel, with Reusies judge Lewis Perkins of the Apparel Impact Institute.

Business, Reuse 101
Reuse, reimagine, redistribute
Business, Reuse 101
Reuse, reimagine, redistribute
Business, Reuse 101

Episode 126: Anita Schwartz, VP at WSP-USA, joins us to discuss how practices like redistribution and reuse can aid in a just transition to a circular economy.

Business, Reuse 101
Envisioning the New Reuse Economy
Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy, Business
Envisioning the New Reuse Economy
Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy, Business

Episode 105: If you missed our Indisposable Live panel, Envisioning the New Reuse Economy, catch the audio version of this engaging discussion here.

Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy, Business
Reuse on the world stage
Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy
Reuse on the world stage
Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy

Episode 104: Ocean Plastics Leadership Network Founder Dave Ford walks us through the big picture ideas and strategies that are needed to bring about reuse solutions on a global scale.

Reuse 101, Community Action, Policy
Batting 1,000 on zero-waste
Community Action, Reuse 101, Business, Business - Events
Batting 1,000 on zero-waste
Community Action, Reuse 101, Business, Business - Events

EPISODE 103: Former MLB player and co-founder of Players for the Planet Chris Dickerson talks about his vision for zero-waste athletic stadiums and a cleaner planet for future generations.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Business, Business - Events
Real solutions in a virtual world
Community Action, Reuse 101
Real solutions in a virtual world
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 102: Kristy Drutman, aka Browngirl Green, uses storytelling and community-building to coalesce tens of thousands of followers around environmental and climate justice solutions.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Hug a plate: plastic-free solutions for kid friendly dining
Community Action, Reuse 101, Business, Schools
Hug a plate: plastic-free solutions for kid friendly dining
Community Action, Reuse 101, Business, Schools

EPISODE 96: Doctor, mother, & Solutioneer Manasa Mantravadi is on a mission to replace plastic wherever families dine – creating a brighter, healthier future for kids and planet.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Business, Schools
Putting the “re” in “use” with William McDonough
Community Action, Reuse 101, Business
Putting the “re” in “use” with William McDonough
Community Action, Reuse 101, Business

EPISODE 95: Journey with legendary innovator William McDonough as he describes his approach to design, sustainability, and ultimately – a model for the new reuse economy.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Business
Coalition Building in Seattle
Community Action, Reuse 101
Coalition Building in Seattle
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 93: Join Reuse Seattle’s Stephanie Thomas & Pat Kaufman as they discuss their journey from building recycling programs to building reuse on the municipal level.

Community Action, Reuse 101
What does restorative environmental justice look like?
Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion
What does restorative environmental justice look like?
Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion

EPISODE 91: Taking a look at the effects of racism, climate change, and unchecked consumption on communities of color – with environmental justice leaders Dr. Ana Baptista and Jose Bravo.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion
Plastic, Oceans, & a New Way Forward
Community Action, Reuse 101
Plastic, Oceans, & a New Way Forward
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 90: For World Oceans Day, Oceanic Global’s Cassia Patel discusses why we all need our oceans to be healthy and plastic free.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Organizing for a Reusable Future
Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy
Organizing for a Reusable Future
Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy

EPISODE 87: Thinking about organizing for reuse in your own city or town? Listen in for lessons from three leaders making change in their communities.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy
Reuse as a Climate Action Strategy
Community Action, Reuse 101, Climate
Reuse as a Climate Action Strategy
Community Action, Reuse 101, Climate

EPISODE 85: Linking climate, reuse, and environmental justice from both policy and business perspectives, with Marcel Howard and Rich Grousset.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Climate
Indisposable Organizing: Black Leadership on the Front Lines
Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion
Indisposable Organizing: Black Leadership on the Front Lines
Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion

EPISODE 79: Lessons from the Gulf Coast frontlines: connecting climate, racial, and environmental justice to turn off the tap on disposable, single-use production.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion
Environmental Justice: Past, Present and Future
Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion
Environmental Justice: Past, Present and Future
Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion

EPISODE 77: In honor of Black History Month, Upstream’s Marcel Howard discusses the historical scars of environmental racism, the rise of the environmental justice movement – and why reuse is an important part of the solution.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion
The Power of Community and Coalitions
Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business
The Power of Community and Coalitions
Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business

EPISODE 70: Coalition leaders of Reusable LA – a Reusies 2021 award winner – talk about the power of relationships for policy wins and offer tips for local reuse organizing.

Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business
Making Art to Make a Difference
Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business
Making Art to Make a Difference
Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business

EPISODE 64: Benjamin Von Wong, an internationally recognized photographer, activist and panelist for The Reusies, explains how his projects bring attention to environmental issues and the power of campaigns, collaboration, and art activism.

Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business
Be a Reuser, Not a Consumer
Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business
Be a Reuser, Not a Consumer
Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business

EPISODE 62: Sustainable designer and living legend William McDonough shares his wisdom on how to shift our thinking, language, and actions toward a world where – as in nature – there is no such thing as waste. The special episode series for The Reusies™ National Reuse Awards continues.

Reusies, Community Action, Reuse 101, Business
Clean Break: Saying Goodbye to Single-Use Plastic
Community Action, Reuse 101
Clean Break: Saying Goodbye to Single-Use Plastic
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 57: Experts in reusable systems discuss how we can make a "Clean Break" from single-use plastic for the health of people, oceans and the planet.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Citizen Science for a World Without Waste
Community Action, Reuse 101
Citizen Science for a World Without Waste
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 56: How Break Free From Plastic brand audits around the world are holding companies accountable for plastic pollution.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Reuse Wins: A Case for Reuse in Food Service
Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy, Business
Reuse Wins: A Case for Reuse in Food Service
Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy, Business

EPISODE 53: Hear from the experts behind Upstream’s new report, Reuse Wins, and why switching from single-use to reuse in food service is a win for all.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy, Business
Embodied Activism: The What, Why, and How
Community Action, Reuse 101
Embodied Activism: The What, Why, and How
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 52: An exploration of showing up for activism in ways that transform us, our relationships, and the world we’re seeking to change.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Overcoming corporate challenges to protect the ocean
Community Action, Reuse 101
Overcoming corporate challenges to protect the ocean
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 51: Join a thoughtful conversation with Dave Ford about how Ocean Plastic Leadership Network’s diverse group of advocates is working to end plastic pollution in oceans.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Consumption (and Contraception) in the Age of Extinction
Community Action, Reuse 101
Consumption (and Contraception) in the Age of Extinction
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 50: Tune in to learn about the impacts and perceptions of human consumption, and how reproductive rights promote environmental prosperity.

Community Action, Reuse 101
Redefining the Win: Building Power from the Grassroots Up
Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy
Redefining the Win: Building Power from the Grassroots Up
Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy

EPISODE 48: Field notes on Equitable Policy Organizing, with Dana Laurent of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Policy
Changing the narrative: Environmental justice and plastic production
Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion
Changing the narrative: Environmental justice and plastic production
Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion

EPISODE 45: Standing with #breakfreefromplastic this Earth Day in support of community-led actions to stop toxic plastic production across the US.

Community Action, Reuse 101, Equity & Inclusion
An indisposable future for your baby
Community Action, Reuse 101
An indisposable future for your baby
Community Action, Reuse 101

EPISODE 43: Diapers can be rough on babies, the earth, and parents’ bank accounts. EarthDiaper models a new option which is accessible to all.

Community Action, Reuse 101

Reuse 101 Livestreams

Indisposable Live
The Vision & Playbook for Reuse in EPR: Expectations for a Best-in-Class PRO
EPR, Reuse Research, Policy
The Vision & Playbook for Reuse in EPR: Expectations for a Best-in-Class PRO
EPR, Reuse Research, Policy

What to expect of a best-in-class producer responsibility organization (or, PRO) when it comes to supporting and planning for a transition to reusable packaging systems within EPR programs.

As packaging EPR gets off the ground in states across the US, the time is right to shine a spotlight on reuse. Upstream’s newest position paper breaks down exactly what to expect of a best-in-class producer responsibility organization (or, PRO) when it comes to supporting and planning for a transition to reusable packaging systems within EPR programs. Host Sydney Harris covers key points from the paper and facilitates a lively discussion with public policy expert Elizabeth Balkan, plus Emmaneulle Bautista and Valentin Fournel, special guests from Citeo—a French packaging PRO poised to launch a large-scale reusable packaging program with its member brands. If you’re curious about how to advocate or plan for reuse in packaging EPR programs, this recording is for you. 

Resources:

Position Paper: Embracing Reuse in U.S. Packaging EPR Programs: Playbook for a Best-in-Class PRO

Upstream’s presentation deck

CITEO’s presentation deck

More information about CITEO’s program

The state of EPR policy in the US

Defining “reuse” in the policy context

Reuse service providers in the US & Canada

Zero Waste Europe: European Reuse Barometer

EPR, Reuse Research, Policy
The "secret sauce" to scaling circular systems
Reuse 101, EPR, Business, Policy
The "secret sauce" to scaling circular systems
Reuse 101, EPR, Business, Policy

A special episode of Indisposable Live (live!) held at Circularity 24 in Chicago.

Caroline Vanderlip of Re:Dish, Elizabeth Balkan of reLoop, Jennie Romer of the EPA, and Nicole Cerroni from L'Oreal discuss what they see as the single most promising way to advance reuse—moderated by Upstream CEO, Crystal Dreisbach.

This episode of Indisposable Live (live!) first aired at Circularity 24 in Chicago on May 23, 2024.

Reuse 101, EPR, Business, Policy
Heroes of Reuse: activating change in local communities
Community Action
Heroes of Reuse: activating change in local communities
Community Action

In a special edition of Indisposable Live, we highlight this year’s three Reusies Activist of the Year winners – people who are co-creating a world without waste and advancing reuse in their communities.

While creating a regenerative, circular and equitable economy requires the efforts of many stakeholders, community leaders across the country (who are often volunteering hours of their time) can play a major role in driving change, bringing people together and inspiring action.

In a special edition of Indisposable Live, we highlight this year’s three Reusies Activist of the Year winners – people who are co-creating a world without waste and advancing reuse in their communities.

Join Maria Gastelumendi, Founder of The Rising Loafer Cafe in Lafayette, CA, Kendra Schneider, owner of Takeout Takeout in Lansing, MI, and Alisa Shargorodsky, Director of ECHO Systems in Philadelphia, PA, for an engaging discussion on what it takes to activate change locally and help advance reuse.

From creating a more sustainable dining experience, to devising a reuse-based takeout system, to building networks of reuse practitioners, each will share their challenges and experiences working to make reuse the norm where they live and beyond.

This livestream originally aired on April 23, 2024.

Community Action
Back to basics: Defining "reuse" for policymakers
Bottle Bills, EPR, Policy
Back to basics: Defining "reuse" for policymakers
Bottle Bills, EPR, Policy

Even as we see increased momentum behind EPR, DRS and other policies involving reuse, the definitions of “reuse” are scattered and often ill-conceived. Now is the time to properly define reusable packaging—and especially differentiate between returnable and refillable packaging—in the policy context.

Even as EPR, DRS and other promising policies involving reuse are being developed, the definitions of “reuse” are scattered and often ill-conceived. Now is the time to properly define reusable packaging—and especially differentiate between returnable and refillable packaging—in the policy context.

We dig into this rich topic in Upstream's Feb 15th, 2024 installment of Indisposable Live (our livestream series). Learn from Zero Waste Europe’s Nathan Dufour about the recommendations outlined in ZWE’s "Packaging Refill vs. Packaging Prevention" report, as well as from Oceana’s Matt Littlejohn about global examples of reuse at scale. Upstream’s Policy Director and discussion moderator Sydney Harris explains the different types of reuse, offers some do’s and don’ts within the policy landscape, and shares Upstream’s own recommended definition of reuse—in hopes of moving us all forward in passing truly effective reuse policy.

For a full roundup of links, see our Key Takeaways blog post

Bottle Bills, EPR, Policy
Indisposable Live®: How US Bottle Bills are Accelerating Reuse
Bottle Bills, EPR, Policy
Indisposable Live®: How US Bottle Bills are Accelerating Reuse
Bottle Bills, EPR, Policy

An engaging discussion on deposit return systems (DRS, or "bottle bills"), and why it's important that they incorporate the latest thinking on reuse solutions, funding, and incentives.

Fifty years of data on deposit return system (DRS) laws (or “bottle bills”) in the U.S. demonstrate that these programs effectively boost collection and recycling rates, create opportunities and jobs in local economies, prevent roadside litter and plastic pollution, and catalyze reuse.

What is the importance of reuse in DRS, and how can DRS policies incorporate the latest thinking on reuse solutions, funding, and incentives?

Learn more about this and recent policy wins across the country from special guest panelists Susan Collins, President of the Container Recycling Institute; Sarah Nichols, Sustainable Maine Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine; and Peter Spendelow, Natural Resource Specialist at Oregon Dept of Environmental Quality. They showcase the distinct ways that California, Oregon, and Maine have begun to incorporate reuse/refill into their bottle bills.

Resources:

Bottlebill.org: in depth statistics and information on bottle bill programs around the world

Maine's bottle bill (LD1909)

Chaptered text of the updated law in Maine

California SB 1013 page

The New Reuse Economy: Upstream’s paper on the infrastructure needed to support reuse across the beverage, foodservice, and CPG sectors

1974 EPA report: Second Report to Congress - Resource Recovery and Source Reduction

Peter Spendelow’s slides

Susan Collins’ slides

Bottle Bills, EPR, Policy
Indisposable Live® (Live!): Working Together to Build the New Reuse Economy
Business, Community Action, Overview, Policy
Indisposable Live® (Live!): Working Together to Build the New Reuse Economy
Business, Community Action, Overview, Policy

A candid discussion addressing successes, challenges, opportunities and calls for more cooperation across sectors to make the New Reuse Economy a reality.

Held as part of The Reusies 2023 at Circularity 23 in Seattle, WA on June 7—this candid panel discussion addressed some of the big successes, challenges, opportunities and calls for more cooperation across sectors to make a vision of the New Reuse Economy a reality.

Business, Community Action, Overview, Policy
Reuse in EPR
EPR, Policy
Reuse in EPR
EPR, Policy

Join Upstream and friends as we explore how best to incorporate waste prevention and reuse into one of the most popular waste policies - Extended Producer Responsibility.

With momentum surging in state legislatures to tackle the growing waste crisis, we face a pivotal opportunity to catalyze the new reuse economy. Join Upstream and friends as we explore how best to incorporate waste prevention and reuse into one of the most popular waste policies - Extended Producer Responsibility. Strong EPR policies should support a just transition to a circular economy that prioritizes reuse.

Upstream's Policy Director, Sydney Harris, provides an overview of our new Principles for Reuse/Refill in EPR and DRS and hosts a conversation with special guest panelists who craft and support EPR legislation – including Jennifer Navarra, Program Director for Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island; Will Grassle, Associate for Policy & Programs at the Product Stewardship Institute; McKenna Morrigan, Policy Advisor at Seattle Public Utilities; and David Allaway, Senior Policy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Materials Management Program.

This livestream was held on March 15, 2023.

EPR, Policy
Envisioning The New Reuse Economy
Reuse 101, Business, Policy
Envisioning The New Reuse Economy
Reuse 101, Business, Policy

Upstream's new Chief Strategy Officer, Priscilla Johnson, hosts a lively discussion with several reuse thought leaders on the ideation, experimentation and strategies needed to create a shift to a circular economy.

Upstream's new Chief Strategy Officer, Priscilla Johnson, hosts a lively discussion with several reuse thought leaders on the ideation, experimentation and strategies needed to create a shift to a circular economy.

Reuse 101, Business, Policy
How Design Standards & Guidelines Can Help Reuse Scale
Business, Policy
How Design Standards & Guidelines Can Help Reuse Scale
Business, Policy

What are the guidelines, standards, and infrastructure required for an effective reuse economy? Join Upstream’s Chief Solutioneer/CEO, Matt Prindiville as he moderates an engaging and informative discussion with three special guests – Amy Larkin and Claudette Juska from PR3 and Olga Kachook from GreenBlue - who are putting the puzzle pieces together , “setting the standard for reuse” and helping to enable businesses to thrive in the growing circular economy.

What are the guidelines, standards, and infrastructure required for an effective reuse economy? Join Upstream’s Chief Solutioneer/CEO, Matt Prindiville as he moderates an engaging and informative discussion with three special guests – Amy Larkin and Claudette Juska from PR3 and Olga Kachook from GreenBlue - who are putting the puzzle pieces together , “setting the standard for reuse” and helping to enable businesses to thrive in the growing circular economy.

Business, Policy
Reuse Wins at Events
Business
Reuse Wins at Events
Business

As fans return to sporting arenas and music lovers celebrate the return of concerts and festivals, sustainability issues at events and venues are coming back into focus – specifically, what to do about the ever-present disposable plastic cup.

As fans return to sporting arenas and music lovers celebrate the return of concerts and festivals, sustainability issues at events and venues are coming back into focus – specifically, what to do about the ever-present disposable plastic cup. Upstream’s Chief Solutioneer/CEO, Matt Prindiville hosted special guests who are advancing “a better way than throw-away” and innovating solutions around single-use at large scale events including Roger McClendon from Green Sports Alliance, Michael Martin from r.Cup/r.Ware, and Ryan Everton from TURN.

Business
The Next Generation of Foodware Policies: Encouraging Safer Food Packaging and Reusable Foodware
Policy
The Next Generation of Foodware Policies: Encouraging Safer Food Packaging and Reusable Foodware
Policy

Upstream teamed up with the Safer States network to develop more comprehensive foodware reduction policies designed to help us move towards non-toxic reusables and phase out the most problematic chemicals and materials from disposable food packaging. Miriam Gordon from Upstream and Renée Sharp from Safer States present their shared vision for the next generation of foodware policies.

Upstream teamed up with the Safer States network to develop more comprehensive foodware reduction policies designed to help us move towards non-toxic reusables and phase out the most problematic chemicals and materials from disposable food packaging. Miriam Gordon from Upstream and Renée Sharp from Safer States present their shared vision for the next generation of foodware policies.

Policy
Reuse To-Go
Business
Reuse To-Go
Business

Check out what viewer Edward Wrenn from Pittsburgh called “the best hour and a half I have ever spent!” as Upstream CEO Matt Prindiville interviews reuse entrepreneurs Keiko Niccolini (r.Cup/r.Ware), Lauren Sweeney (DeliverZero), and Paul Liotsakis (Sparkl). Learn how our guests started their businesses, their plans for the future, how they’re adapting – and even thriving – during the pandemic, and how you can help bring their services to your own community

Check out what viewer Edward Wrenn from Pittsburgh called “the best hour and a half I have ever spent!” as Upstream CEO Matt Prindiville interviews reuse entrepreneurs Keiko Niccolini (r.Cup/r.Ware), Lauren Sweeney (DeliverZero), and Paul Liotsakis (Sparkl). Learn how our guests started their businesses, their plans for the future, how they’re adapting – and even thriving – during the pandemic, and how you can help bring their services to your own community.

Business
UPSTREAM World Health Day Livestream
Reuse 101
UPSTREAM World Health Day Livestream
Reuse 101

As restaurants move toward reopening, many health experts have been saying plastic food packaging doesn’t provide any better protection against the COVID-19 pandemic – in fact, it presents a significant risk to human health. Leading up to World Health Day on April 7, Upstream held a media briefing to look into another potential global health crisis, this time brought about by plastic and the toxic chemicals in our food packaging.

COVID-19 started as a health crisis but quickly morphed into a plastic waste crisis. From PPEs to online deliveries of food and goods, our homes and communities are being flooded with single-use plastics.

Reuse 101
2021 Plastics Policy
Policy
2021 Plastics Policy
Policy

We teed up a “power hour” for you with three experts working across the political spectrum from federal to state to local policy. Listen to Yinka Bode-George from the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, Judith Enck from Beyond Plastic, and Upstream’s own Miriam Gordon to learn what 2021 holds for plastics policy under the new administration.

We teed up a "power hour" for you with three experts working across the political spectrum from federal to state to local policy. Listen to Yinka Bode-George from the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, Judith Enck from Beyond Plastic, and UPSTREAM's own Miriam Gordon to learn what 2021 holds for plastics policy under the new administration.
Policy
The United States of Plastic
Reuse 101, Community Action
The United States of Plastic
Reuse 101, Community Action

In 2016, US plastic waste inputs to coastal environments were among the highest in the world, and the US was the only “developed country” to make the top 20 list of plastic polluters in the world. Join panelists Dr. Jenna Jambeck and Dr. Kara Lavender Law and Matt Prindiville (moderating), Upstream CEO, to discuss this and other staggering stats, and what we can do about it.

In 2016, U.S. plastic waste inputs to coastal environments were among the highest in the world (0.51 to 1.45 million tonnes (Mt)) and the only "developed country" to make the top 20 list of plastic polluters in the world. Today, the U.S.
Reuse 101, Community Action
Racial Justice & Environmentalism: Together & Inseparable
Equity & Inclusion
Racial Justice & Environmentalism: Together & Inseparable
Equity & Inclusion

How do we uplift marginalized communities in environmental work that impacts them the most? Learn about INTERSECTIONAL ENVIRONMENTALISM and the bridges between climate and racial justice in this rich discussion with Mustafa Santiago Ali, Miriam Torres, and Letise LaFeir (moderating).

Listen to Upstream and three dynamic speakers in an interactive and hopeful conversation about the safety and future of reuse in America. Tom Szaky (Loop), Lindsey Hoell (Dispatch Goods), and Dr. Ben Locwin (infectious disease specialist) discuss how reuse solutions and systems can help save businesses money; get people back to work; protect public health; AND stop plastic pollution & reduce waste.

Equity & Inclusion
The Safety and Future of Reuse
Covid
The Safety and Future of Reuse
Covid

Listen to Upstream and three dynamic speakers in an interactive and hopeful conversation about the safety and future of reuse in America. Tom Szaky (Loop), Lindsey Hoell (Dispatch Goods), and Dr. Ben Locwin (infectious disease specialist) discuss how reuse solutions and systems can help save businesses money; get people back to work; protect public health; AND stop plastic pollution & reduce waste.

Watch a full recording of UPSTREAM's live webstream: INDISPOSABLE: The Safety and Future of Reuse Original air date: April 30, 2020 Listen to UPSTREAM and three dynamic speakers in an interactive and hopeful conversation about the safety and future of reuse in America.
Covid