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 environmental justice.
Reuse is an economic & workforce development opportunity
Reuse systems create safe, green, local jobs and keep resources circulating locally while building community wealth.
The economics
Restaurants in the U.S. spent $21.9 billion on purchasing food service products in 2019, a number forecast to grow to $33.2 billion by 2027. Going reusable presents innovative new business opportunities and ways to save money.
Simply replacing 20% of single-use plastic packaging with reusable alternatives offers an opportunity worth at least $10 billion.
Reuse is a competitive strategy for retailers: Leaders in this space will effectively reinvent the retail experience with consumer creativity and engagement at the center.
Economic volatility and downturns highlight the economic case for reuse.
Reusable packaging is an asset for a company, and reuse systems provide stability and predictability for businesses, investors and communities. Just like solar panels insulate homeowners from electrical rate fluctuations, once in place, a reuse system insulates businesses and consumers from materials and packaging price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
Resilient businesses, resilient communities.
Reuse saves money for onsite dining 100% of the time
Cost Savings
Single-use disposables add costs to businesses to procure products and pay for waste hauling—again and again. They also add costs to city governments to manage the packaging waste, which is on average 28% of a municipal waste stream.
Reuse stops waste before it starts, cutting the number of single-use items that end up in the waste management system and reducing costs for businesses and local governments.
“We found we were able to start saving money within the second year of reuse because we weren't constantly putting out funds to purchase something that literally goes in the trash can. The project became less cumbersome to our finances than it would have been had we stayed with our single-use products within about 19 months of undergoing this change to reusables.”
-Natasha Wayne, Reaching All Minds Academy, Durham, NC
Job Creation
Reuse fosters strong and resilient local economies where the logistics of reusables collection, washing, and redistribution provides safer jobs and helps build wealth locally. Entrepreneurial opportunities abound as more reuse services come onto market.
Reuse creates up to 30 times more jobs than landfills — and they’re much safer than recycling jobs. Clean, safe reuse jobs have an 84% reduction in industry toxicity score.
It is estimated that in a 300,000 resident city, a widespread reuse system can create 150-250 local jobs — including transporting, sorting, washing, packing, redistributing, managing, and supervising — that can’t be exported.
...His role wasn’t just about washing dishes—it was a crash course in the power of reuse and the impact of excessive waste on the environment. He learned organizational skills on the job, managing the system of sorting, cleaning, and preparing stacks of containers each night. He also gained a new awareness of how single-use takeout containers are often pollutive and toxic and became a face and spokesperson for reuse innovation.
-Upstream profile of Alex Claro, reuse service worker
The opportunity: A snapshot of systems change in a major metro area
Reuse infrastructure including wash hubs and logistics to recirculate reusable packaging
New regional economy with safe, meaningful jobs
Workforce development and job training, shifting jobs from high-toxic-score solid waste management jobs to logistics and washing in a circular economy
Reduced pollution, litter, and stormwater management issues, translating to $2M+ in city/regional cost savings
Drastic reductions in the waste generated, leading to significantly fewer trips to landfills and incinerators
Support for the area’s small businesses. Increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty for businesses.
Community visibility and competitive advantage for forward-thinking economic development by positioning the area as a leader in solutions for plastic pollution, climate change, and a just transition.
Availability of affordable, durable, non-toxic returnable foodware at schools, universities, stadiums, restaurants, event venues, and more.
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.