Pass Policy
From model policies to playbooks and toolkits, to trainings – all the resources you need to support reuse advocacy in your community.
Policy Features
Defining “reuse” in the policy context
And why it’s important.
Did you know? Reuse is a climate solution
Over their life cycle, reusable products, food serviceware and packaging have lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions compared to disposable alternatives.
Policy Tools
Reuse & climate: Action for governments to take
The importance of embedding reuse into climate action plans—and how measuring consumption-based emissions gives a far more accurate depiction of a municipality’s climate impact.
State legislation to address the waste crisis must focus on transitioning to a circular economy that prioritizes reuse.
Principles for reuse in EPR & DRS
A myth-busting cheat sheet
Counter-arguments to the top four myths about why reuse is not a viable solution.
Reuse funding opportunities
Dedicated to monitoring incentives & grants that could be used to support projects related to source reduction of packaging & foodware.
Policy Testimony & Comments
Upstream submits letters of support for reuse-related bills that are in keeping with our policy principles—or comments encouraging further integration of these principles.
Join the
Reuse Solutions Network
Reuse leaders shaping innovative policy and community infrastructure
Member Benefits
Formerly known as the National Reuse Network, the Reuse Solutions Network (RSN) is a community of NGOs, entrepreneurs, local organizations, community leaders, and governments working to catalyze reuse and create a world where reuse and refill are standard practice. The network supports leaders working across the U.S. and Canada to:
Learn and collaborate in a space that fosters insight into reuse policy and infrastructure solutions
Share resources, tools, and best practices on source reduction and reuse/refill concepts
Gather in dialogue with like-minded reuse leaders to support new initiatives
Catalyze and pass policies that promote reuse and reduce single-use products and packaging
Develop reuse infrastructure and financial opportunities for reuse initiatives
Accelerate the growth of innovative reuse businesses
For government leaders & employees: in combination with the RSN, Upstream also convenes 2-3 separate, annual dedicated sessions to focus on policy solutions and challenges—the Government Reuse Forum.
90-minute meetings are held every other month and focus on a specific topic, featuring guest speakers and presentations, followed by discussion/Q&A.
Who you’ll meet
An international network of local governments and elected officials
Ideate and accelerate reuse and source reduction with representatives from organizations like:
EPISODE 172: Organizers in states where it is challenging to pass policy are still doing good work to reduce plastic waste and encourage reuse. Plastic Free MKE shares the story of their success.