Overview
Upstream is a leading change agency for the reuse movement in the US & Canada. We spark innovative solutions and forge strategic alliances to help people, businesses and communities shift from single-use to reuse.
Imagine a city where…
Everyone dining out at restaurants is eating off real plates and cutlery, and drinking from real cups.
To-go coffee is served in reusable cups loaned from a reuse service providing clean, sanitized cups to coffee shops.
Restaurants, grocery stores and delis use services that provide them with clean, sanitized reusable to-go containers for prepared food, takeout and delivery.
At the ballpark, everyone is drinking beer out of real cups. And touch-free soda fountains dispense drinks in reusable cups after you put in your credit card.
You can order groceries, cleaning and personal care products delivered in reusable containers in a reusable box tote.
Tens of thousands of people are employed throughout the area in delivery, pick-up, cleaning, stocking and logistics.
Litter and solid waste costs are down and community pride is up.
None of these innovations required you to bring your own anything. People got tired of single-use waste. And entrepreneurs said we can do it without single-use, and we can do it better.
Community leaders and policymakers worked to create the conditions for this thriving reuse economy. Then the big companies saw this was the future, and everyone started doing it.
This is the world we’re working to create, and we want to do it with you.
Key Project Initiatives & Publications
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Reuse Wins Report
Why reuse wins for people and planet, every time.
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Reuse for Onsite Dining Library
Collaboratively compiled resources for anyone looking to pass reuse for onsite dining policy in their community.
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Design Principles for Materials Used in Reusable Packaging & Foodware Services
We support using materials that have the longest life and the least impact on the environment and communities
In all our work, we are guided by our values, which we call the 5 “C”s:
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We are keen futurists and joyful problem-solvers. We not only see what is happening now and where the movement needs to go, we map an evidence-based path and make it so. We focus on solutions.
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We are friend-makers. We work together with organizations making reuse the norm. We seek out and invite others to co-create the future we all want. We celebrate and amplify others’ successes.
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We know we have a lot to learn from others and each other, so we seek out experiences and perspectives different from our own. We work to share with one another and align on common ground. We practice accountability, clear and consistent communication and feedback, and compassionate, open listening.
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We recognize the importance and necessity of incorporating equity and justice values into our work. We prioritize the voices and identities that have been underrepresented within our organization’s decision-making, leadership roles, and the wider movement. We also firmly believe that building the new reuse economy is itself inherently a social, economic, and environmental justice (EJ) movement.
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We bring our whole selves to work while maintaining a healthy life/work balance. We are focused and driven to do what’s essential while recognizing what can wait and keeping urgency and stress in check. We acknowledge that we are all humans who desire a happy and passionate workplace, and we approach each other with respect, compassion, ease and kindness.
Articles
Podcasts
Team
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Cerise Bridges
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Erin Covey-Smith
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Crystal Dreisbach
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Sydney Harris
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Melissa Jung
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Stephanie Nunez
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Vanessa Tiongson
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Macy Zander
Board
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Ashley Craig
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Linda Corrado
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Steven Sherman
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Daniel Velez
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Dana Calder
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Jon Hinck
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Marion Hunt
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David Stitzhal
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Lauren Daniluk
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Dawn Erlandson
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Mark Hays
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Rose Stephens-Booker
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.