Upstream is a US-based non-profit driving change toward a robust and enduring reuse economy in the US & Canada by normalizing reuse, growing and supporting the reuse industry, and ensuring a supportive policy environment. Our work lies at the nexus of plastic pollution, climate change, and a just transition.
Reuse is a climate solution
The greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) causing climate change result from a fossil fuel-based “take-make-waste” extractive economy. Rethinking the supply chain for packaging must be a climate goal to put us on track to achieve net-zero emissions.
Renewable energy addresses only 55% of UN climate goals. The remaining 45% hinges on transforming how we produce, consume, and dispose of consumable goods, emphasizing the crucial role of reuse solutions.
Reuse reduces plastic production & cuts carbon
Efficient, scalable reuse systems can eliminate 75% of plastic packaging production—which generates 4 times more GHG emissions than the airline industry—and 70% of those emissions, compared to single-use.
Reuse remedies false solutions like compostables, which contribute to the methane in landfills that drives 30% of global temperature rise.
Reuse helps prevent plastic incineration, which causes more GHG emissions than other fossil fuels.
How does reuse slow global climate change?
By reimagining the value chain
Reusable products and packaging means a significant reduction in raw materials harvested, a massive reduction in GHG emissions from transportation, and a near elimination of items sent to landfills and incinerators. For example, this coffee cup scenario shows reuse cuts carbon emissions by 79% across the value chain.
Reuse builds community resilience in the face of climate change.
Localized reuse economies build climate resiliency by decoupling us from a volatile global supply chain.
Upstream Policy Institute, Inc. (DBA Upstream®) is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation, with tax ID #43-2038678. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.