The Indisposable Podcast®

This week's episode is all about standards – why they're needed to scale reusable packaging and infrastructure, and how they serve as a critical piece of the puzzle that enables businesses to operate and thrive in the growing circular economy. Host Matt Prindiville sits down with Amy Larkin and Claudette Juska, Co-Founders of PR3 at RESOLVE, who have dug in hard on the infrastructure question. They launched PR3 to develop Reusable Packaging Design Standards to help transform the current landscape of disconnected, small-scale reuse pilots into full-scale, interoperable public-private systems. And they’re now working with the City of Seattle, local sports and entertainment venues, and businesses to create a model that can be replicated around the world.Resources: RESOLVE-PR3The New Reuse EconomyUpstream’s Reuse Wins report and Tomorrow’s New Reuse Economy

Across America, thousands of people are organizing in local communities to help build a better way than throw-away in their cities and towns. In this episode, we speak with organizers from three very different U.S. cities in different stages of the work and learn about their shared challenges and key elements of success in building coalitions for change. With Doug Calem (Columbus, OH), Dawn Rodriguez (Austin, TX), and Alejandra Warren (San Mateo County, CA).Resources:A Giant Leap Toward Throw-away Free LivingThe Power of Community and CoalitionsRedefining the win: building power from the grassroots up2021 Plastics Policy RoundupInto the SeaReusable San Mateo CountyJoin a Community Coalition

We all agree that corporations need to have some skin in the game when it comes to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), green design and taking their packaging back for reuse or recycling – but the devil is truly in the details. There’s good EPR and bad EPR. Kirstie Pecci of the Conservation Law Foundation and Judith Enck of Beyond Plastics have been working intimately on EPR in several states this legislative session, as well as deposit-return systems for beverages (e.g. “bottle bills”). Dive deep with these policy experts on the nuances of EPR for packaging that ensures a shift to a circular economy and prevents harmful recycling practices. Resources:Beyond PlasticsConservation Law FoundationEPR Resources from UpstreamBottle Bill Resources from Upstream

In this episode, we celebrate Earth Day and this year’s official Earth Day theme – invest in our planet– by talking about how we can invest in reusable systems to help solve climate and environmental justice issues. With Upstream’s own policy analyst Marcel Howard and Rich Grousset of Re:Dish, we discuss what actions we can take and explore Upstream’s new Climate & Reuse Toolkit, which contains tools and resources to help advocates integrate reuse into climate action strategies.Resources:Upstream’s Climate & Reuse ToolkitRe:Dish

With big brands signaling support for extended producer responsibility (EPR), deposit-return systems (DRS), and – most recently – reuse/refill, new opportunities have opened up to pass policy and create the infrastructure needed to transform how we consume products like food, beverages, personal care and cleaning products.Maine-based bottle redemption business CLYNK uses the same infrastructure for its return system as will be needed in this New Reuse Economy. Join host Matt Prindiville and Clayton Kyle, founder & chairman of CLYNK (and Upstream board chair emeritus!), as they discuss the potential for innovative companies to be service providers for the circular economy – and to support the buildout of EPR and deposit-return systems for packaging. Resources: CLYNKContact Clayton Kyle

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.In partnership with the Green Sports Alliance, Upstream kicked off their new Indisposable Live™ series by discussing the experiences of entrepreneurs and associations wrestling with how to do reuse at events and large venues. Upstream’s Chief Solutioneer/CEO, Matt Prindiville hosted special guests who are 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.Tune into this lively discussion and learn more about 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.Resources:Upstream’s full life-cycle analysis of reusable and single-use cups at eventsEliminating single use cups at events (vlog/blog)Aluminum cups at the Super Bowl not so super (blog)A conversation with Roger McClendon, Green Sports Alliance on the Indisposable Podcast

Celebrating women’s history month and reuse entrepreneurs, in this episode we speak with Anukampa Freedom Gupta-Fonner, Reusies 2021 finalist for Activist of the Year – and founder of Design by Freedom, an invention company propelling the circular economy and working to make trash history. Freedom is fully devoting her attention to designing a new way of getting groceries without all the waste: Her DC-based reuse grocery system, called Spring, will be launching this year. Join Freedom and host Brooking Gatewood as they discuss the power of supporting women’s leadership and the design challenges of changing one of the most fundamental parts of American society: how we get our food.Resources:Spring groceriesDesign by FreedomGuide to eliminating plastic waste during grocery shopping

Roger McClendon is the Executive Director of the Green Sports Alliance (GSA), a trade organization that convenes stakeholders from around the sporting world to promote healthy, waste-free communities where we live and play. Learn about Roger’s journey from being a superstar college basketball player, to founding the Chief Sustainability Officer role at Yum Brands (parent company to KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, among others), to focusing on sustainability for both people and planet at the GSA. Host Matt Prindiville welcomes Roger on the show to talk about the positive changes happening at sporting venues and about sustainability as an essential business strategy not only for the environment but for the bottom line.Resources:Green Sports AllianceReuse Wins at Events reportRegister for the Reuse Wins at Events livestream (by March 23, 2022)

The podcast journeys down under to Australia! Brooking Gatewood sits down with early reuse Solutioneer, Abigail Forsyth, Founder/CEO of KeepCup – one of the top reusable cup companies in the world and voted #1 reusable cup by GQ in 2021. Abigail talks about the early days of trying to normalize reuse in her community while owning/operating a Melbourne cafe in the late 90s. From designing their own barista-standard reusable cups to advancing the reuse movement and the next phase of KeepCup’s evolution, this B Corp is another great example as to why reuse is just as important for people and the economy as it is for the planet.Resources:www.Keepcup.comUpstream’s Roadmap to Reuse: a step-by-step guide for policymakers and activists for bringing reuse to their communities About B CorpsAbout 1% for the Planet

The problem of plastic pollution is not just a matter of waste – it is also a matter of justice. As Gulf Coast organizer John Beard notes, communities living in areas of petrochemical extraction are living in “sacrifice zones” and suffering the toxic consequences of our extractive economy without even receiving the benefits of industry jobs. And all across the country, these communities – all too often communities of color – are fighting back and fighting for the right for clean air, water, and a just transition to a regenerative economy where people and planet are seen as indisposable. As we near the end of Black History Month, join us in honoring the incredible work of some of the many Black organizers in the Break Free From Plastic movement, and get to know a few of our community leaders working on petrochem-related organizing. Join John, Louisiana-based organizer Kaitlyn Joshua, and BFFP US Coordinator Melissa Aguayo for a frank and inspiring discussion of how racial, environmental, and climate justice intersect – and how intersectional organizing and solidarity can change our world. Resources: Port Arthur Community Action NetworkEarthworksEnvironmental Justice Facebook groupRise St. JamesToxic ToursSave Sabine LakeBreak Free From Plastic John Beard on LinkedInKaitlyn Joshua on LinkedIn

This week, host Matt Prindiville chats with Miriam Gordon, Policy Director at Upstream, about the benefits of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and the exciting brink we are on for passing these policies in the United States. Learn how EPR supports corporate brand accountability, source reduction and the circular economy – and why it’s important that we leverage the waste reduction hierarchy of reduce and reuse first, before recycling.Resources: How Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Can Build a Waste-Free Future | BlogExtended Producer Responsibility for Packaging | Learning HubEPR for Packaging is (finally!) now law in the US. | BlogSustainable Packaging: A Report From the Trenches | PodcastEPR for packaging: then and now | Blog

In celebration of Black History Month, Upstream’s Policy Analyst & Coordinator, Marcel Howard, talks about the start of the environmental justice movement and its historical connection to environmental racism. Learn how Black and minority communities are still being disproportionately and unjustly impacted by climate change and pollution today – and the roles we can all play to advocate for fair, anti-racist treatment of predominantly underrepresented communities in the United States. Hint: reuse plays a big part. Resources: Exploring the History of Environmental Justice to Support Anti-Racism | BlogUpstream’s Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & AntiracismRacial Justice & Environmentalism: Together & Inseparable | PodcastChanging the narrative: Environmental justice and plastic production | Podcast

This week, host Matt Prindiville talks with Rachel Morier, the Director of Sustainability at The Beer Store & Brewers Distributor Ltd, one of the top beer sellers in Ontario, Canada. The Beer Store’s innovative returnable/reusable bottles undergo a comprehensive process of washing, sanitizing, refilling, labeling and reshelving – all within just 3 days. Tune in to learn how this visionary model is paving the way for waste reduction in the beverage industry. Resources: How Bottle Bills Reduce Waste and Support the Circular EconomyThe Beer Store websiteThe Beer Store’s Environmental Stewardship reportRachel Morier on LinkedIn

This week, host Matt Prindiville chats with Upstream’s two founders, Dr. Bill Sheehan and Helen Spiegelman – two advocates behind what is now known as the “reuse movement”. Learn how Bill and Helen began catalyzing conversations with business, government and nonprofit leaders to redesign the systems generating single-use waste – and how that helped drive today’s biggest cities and governments to strive for zero waste.Resources: Get in touch with Bill SheehanGet in touch with Helen SpiegelmanFungal Diversity SurveyLearn more about How Upstream and the Reuse Movement Began

This week, we’re introducing you to the four newest members of Upstream’s Board of Directors: Linda Corrado, Ashley Craig, Rose Stephens-Booker and Daniel Velez! We asked each of them to tell us something we wouldn’t know from looking at their LinkedIn profile and what inspired them to join Upstream’s Board and the reuse movement. Plus, hear their top New Year “reuse-solutions” for starting down the path to a greener, healthier, and more indisposable lifestyle in 2022. Resources:Linda Corrado on LinkedInAshley Craig on LinkedInRose Stephens-Booker on LinkedInDaniel Velez on LinkedInUpstream's New Board of Directors Members are Here to Support Reuse - Blog

This week, host Matt Prindiville chats with a new member of Upstream’s Board of Directors, entrepreneur Daniel Velez – Co-founder and CEO of Growly, an innovative online craft beer delivery service. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Growly uses the milkman model to deliver locally made craft beer, cold brew coffee, and kombucha in returnable growlers. Tune in to hear how Daniel is pioneering craft beverage packaging with reusable growlers and innovative delivery systems.Resources: Daniel Velez on LinkedInGrowly’s websiteGrowly on FacebookGrowly on Instagram

This week, host Matt Prindiville joins Charles Bieler – Founder and CEO of Bieler Wines, winemaker, and innovator – to discuss reuse in wine and wine service. At the forefront of the industry for more than 20 years, Bieler has been named by Food & Wine Magazine and the Wine Enthusiast as one of the “40 Big Food Thinkers Under 40.” From wine on-tap in restaurants to a return-to-retail reusable/refillable bottle system, hear how Charles is working to reimagine the wine industry’s role in supporting the shift to an emerging reuse economy. Resources:Bieler Wines website: https://www.bielerwines.com/Bieler Wines on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bielerwines/ The Gotham Project: http://gothamproject.net/Charles Bieler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesbieler

Rounding out our special series for The Reusies™, Matt Prindiville talks with Garr Punnett, Chief of Staff and Circular Economist at Rheaply – the National Reuse Awards 2021 Most Innovative Reuse Company award winner. Rheaply’s online resource management and exchange platform helps businesses around the world better manage their physical assets to improve supply chain issues and minimize resource waste. Tune in to learn how Rheaply is changing the game in an era when the need for circular business operations is greater than ever.Resources:Rheaply websiteGarr on LinkedInRheaply’s Multi-usiverse Podcast

This week, for another special episode in our series on The Reusies™, host Brooking Gatewood sits down with members of Reusable LA – the 2021 Most Impactful Community Leadership award winner at the National Reuse Awards. Alison Waliszewski with 5 Gyres, Melissa Aguayo with Break Free From Plastic, and Emily Parker with Heal the Bay share the history and victories of this powerful and inclusive coalition helping to shift the state of plastic pollution in the city of Los Angeles. To keep up with Reusable LA’s work and get involved in upcoming actions, visit www.reusablela.org and follow the coalition on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterIf you’re interested in joining an existing reuse coalition or starting a new one in your community, visit our Community Coalitions webpage to see how you can get involved. For more on grassroots and inclusive organizing, check out episodes 1: A giant leap toward throw-away-free living; 33: Racial Justice & Environmentalism: Together & Inseparable; and 45: Changing the narrative: Environmental justice and plastic production!

This week, tune in for another special episode in our series for The Reusies™ as host Matt Prindiville sits down with Lindsey McCoy, CEO and Co-Founder of Plaine Products – the 2021 Fan Favorite Reuse Company award winner at the National Reuse Awards. Plaine Products delivers its personal care and beauty products directly to consumers in reusable aluminum containers, along with a prepaid mailer to return old bottles for washing and refilling. Learn how Plaine Products came about as the first beauty company to employ a reusable packaging business model, and how the company is leading others to do the same.Plus: Through December 31, donate any amount to Upstream and unlock exclusive discounts and promo codes to a variety of reuse businesses in the 2021 Holiday Shopping Guide – Plaine Products included!Resources:Plaine Products’ websiteThe ReusiesUpstream’s 2021 Holiday Shopping Guide

This week, we’re bringing you reuse success stories from San Francisco as restaurant owners and reuse service providers share all the benefits they’ve experienced after switching to reusables for dine-in and take-out. This episode was adapted from our recent livestream, “Reusables Win in SF,” in partnership with the San Francisco Department of the Environment and the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.Resources: Reusables Win in SF webpageReusables Win in SF digital toolkitReusables Win in SF livestream video on YouTube: English | Spanish | ChineseReusables Win in SF downloadable brochure: English | Spanish | Chinese

This week, we join The Reusies™ 2021 Activist of the Year award winner, Crystal Dreisbach, for another episode in our special series on the National Reuse Awards. Located in Durham, NC, Crystal founded the non-profit Don’t Waste Durham and the reusable to-go container service GreenToGo, using her activist platform to build awareness and drive action. Learn why Crystal saw the need to bring reuse to her community and how she emerged as an award winner at the inaugural Reusies.Resources:Don’t Waste DurhamThe ReCirculation ProjectInstagramFacebookTwitterGreen ToGoThe Reusies

Our special episode series for The Reusies™ National Reuse Awards continues with the full panel discussion from the event on September 30. Moderated by science communicator and TV personality Danni Washington, panelists Matt Prindiville of Upstream; Bridget Croke of Closed Loop Partners; Liz Segran of Fast Company; and artist/activist Benjamin Von Wong discuss their vision for an #indisposable future, how we can get there, and why it's so important that we all come together to support the reuse movement.Resources:Learn more about The Reusies and see the 2021 award winnersWatch the full panel discussion on YouTubeThe Reusies bonus content: “Happiness” performance by Kori Withers

In another episode of our special series for The Reusies™, meet Danni Washington, moderator and host of the inaugural National Reuse Awards™. Danni is a world-renowned television personality, science communicator, and the first African-American woman to host her own science television series. Danni talks with Matt Prindiville about her mission-focused work educating youth about the importance of reducing waste and ocean conservation – as well as her ongoing journey to elevate her voice, represent diverse communities in media, and inspire others to protect the planet.Resources: Danni’s website Danni on InstagramDanni on FacebookBold Women in Science

The Reusies™ (aka the National Reuse Awards) special series continues with Benjamin Von Wong, an internationally recognized photographer and activist and a Reusies award show panelist. Benjamin’s recent work brings attention to plastic pollution, fast fashion, e-waste and other environmental issues. In this episode, Benjamin joins host Brooking Gatewood to talk about some of his recent projects and the power of campaigns, collaboration, and infusing activism with art.Resources: Check out Benjamin’s work at www.vonwong.comParticipate in Benjamin’s latest interactive campaign at www.turnofftheplastictap.comWork with Benjamin at https://unforgettablelabs.com/The Reusies: https://www.thereusies.org/

Our special episode series for The Reusies™, the first ever National Reuse Awards, continues with Liz Segran, another honorary award judge. A Fast Company Senior Staff Writer and sustainable design specialist, Liz shares with Brooking Gatewood what she’s learned about the reuse movement from ancient history as well as youth, fashion, and innovative design – including reusable trash bags. Resources: Liz Segran's websiteFast Company - Liz SegranThe Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your LifeThe Reusies

Our special episode series for The Reusies™, the first ever National Reuse Awards, continues with another honorary award judge: sustainable designer and living legend William (Bill) McDonough. As Chief Executive of McDonough Innovation and co-author of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things, Bill 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. Resources: William McDonough’s websiteCradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make ThingsThe Reusies

Our special episode series for The Reusies™, the first ever National Reuse Awards, continues. Brooking Gatewood sits down with Christian Kaufholz of the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership and Ashima Sukhdev of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy in Cities project to talk about their big picture perspectives on the evolution of reuse and exciting trends ahead – including The Reusies! Resources: (include links to resources mentioned in episode as appropriate)Global Plastic Action PartnershipWorld Economic ForumEllen Macarthur Foundation - Circular Economy in CitiesThe Reusies

As we continue our special series for The Reusies™, the first ever National Reuse Awards, we invite you to listen in on a conversation with Matt Prindiville and Erin Simon from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) who is one of our honorary award judges. As WWF’s Head of Plastic Waste and Business, Erin discusses how her expertise as a packaging engineer influences her work today to support consumer goods companies in discovering (and using) more sustainable packaging options and helps cultivate ideas around systems that are truly better for the planet. Resources:WWF’s websiteLearn about The Reusies

This week, we’re kicking off a special episode series for The Reusies™, the first ever National Reuse Awards. Matt Prindiville sits down with Ron Gonen, Founder and CEO of Closed Loop Partners, who are presenting The Reusies inaugural event with Upstream this year. Hear about Ron’s journey from sanitation in New York City to a venture capital firm in the circular economy space to his recently released book, The Waste-Free World: How the Circular Economy Will Take Less, Make More, and Save the Planet. In this episode, Ron talks more about his vision of a world built around a circular economy – told through inspiring stories of what’s already happening today.Resources:Closed Loop PartnersThe Waste Free World Closed Loop Partners’ NextGen Consortium report on reuseThe Reusies

Host Matt Prindiville sits down with reuse service company Dishcraft’s Linda Pouliot, Tootsie’s at the Stanford Barn restaurant owner Rocco Scordella, and Upstream Business Innovation Director Samantha Sommer to discuss the Serve It Safe pilot, which launched earlier this year. Tune in this week for an inside look at the challenges and opportunities in creating a successful service for reuse in take-out – especially amidst a plot-twisting pandemic.Resources:DishcraftTootsie's at Stanford BarnServe It Safe case studyBlog: Serve It Safe Sets the Table for Reuse in Restaurants

This week, we’re listening in on a panel discussion, originally recorded last month on World Oceans Day (June 8, 2021), which analyzes the impact of human actions on the ocean. In this special livestream hosted by ESGX, Upstream CEO Matt Prindiville moderated a discussion with reuse experts from companies such as Newday Impact Investing, r.Cup/r.Ware, Loop, TerraCycle and Dishcraft Robotics, on how we can come together to break away from single-use plastic and develop a worldwide movement to support the sustainable management of the world's oceans.Resources:Watch the livestream recording on YouTubeLearn more about Newday Impact Investing and ESGX live events.

Happy #PlasticFreeJuly! One of the most powerful ways for people to engage in the Break Free From Plastic movement is the global brand audit project. In this episode, we talk with Global Brand Audit Coordinator Sybil Bullock and hear from leaders around the world about how this citizen science initiative is helping to catalyze change by identifying the companies most responsible for plastic pollution. Also featuring: Laura Hernandez of Gwinnett Recycles, Nirere Sadrach of End Plastic Pollution, Mark Penalver of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Inc., Jake with the Climate Reality Project, and Thara and Nina of ECOTON & River Warriors.Resources:BFFP Brand Audit ToolkitSupport the Break Free from Plastic Pollution ActGwinnett RecyclesClimate Reality ProjectECOTON & River WarriorsIDISEnd Plastic Pollution

Last week, Upstream unveiled a new brand identity which we feel really conveys who we are and our core values – to be Innovative, Inspiring, Invitational and Inclusive. The new Upstream logo symbolizes the circular reuse economy and incorporates a heart to emphasize our passion for the mission we’re working towards – and that everything we do is with heart and soul. Tune in with Matt Prindiville to learn what motivated Upstream’s rebrand.Resources: Rebrand videoUpstream websiteUpstream "who we are"

This week, Matt Prindiville chats with Sandra Noonan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Just Salad, a fast-casual restaurant chain on a mission to make everyday health and sustainability possible. Just Salad’s innovative BringBack Bowl pilot program gives customers the option to receive their pickup or delivery orders in a signature reusable and returnable bowl. Dig into the details of the BringBack Bowl pilot’s success so far and get a glimpse at how both Sandra’s and Just Salad’s reuse journeys began – and where they’re headed.Resources:Upstream’s case story on Just SaladQ&A with Sandra NoonanOrder through the BringBack Bowl Pilot ProgramJust Salad websiteConnect with Sandra Noonan on LinkedIn

In this episode, we celebrate the launch of Reuse Wins – a hot-off-the-digital-press report by Upstream that shows how a new reuse economy is emerging to replace single-use products in food service. We dive deep into the weeds of life-cycle analysis (LCA) and economic data to understand why Reuse Wins and what our world will look like when we transition to a new reuse economy where throw-away goes away. With Upstream’s policy director, Miriam Gordon, who authored the report and Minal Mistry, business initiatives lead with the Oregon Department for Environmental Quality.Resources:Reuse Wins: Key Findings and Downloadable AssetsReuse Wins reportReuse Wins press releaseDEQ Website ResourcesDEQ research reportsEnvironmental Science & Technology journal article

When working within a system designed to disconnect us from our bodies, the choice to be “embodied” becomes part of our activism to transform ourselves and our world. This episode explores the challenges of staying centered in world-changing work, and tips and tricks to practice embodied activism in our work and in our everyday lives – from acknowledging what we don’t know to following pleasure and embracing grief to working with the body to transform conflict into connection. Tune in for thoughtful stories and ideas to help stay on course in a world seemingly designed to shake us. With Brooking Gatewood and Si Thacker.Resources:Arnold Mindell and the Process Work InstitutePleasure Activism by Adrienne Marie BrownMy Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa MenakemUnderstanding the Drama TriangleAlso mentioned: Sobonfu Some on Embracing GriefCamille Barton’s work on Embodied Social ChangeReverend Angel Kyodo Williams website is full of talks on meditation, sitting with discomfort, and other related topicsThe Embodied Social Justice Summit, with talks from many of these references and more

Dave Ford, CEO of the Ocean Plastic Leadership Network (OPLN), brings together a diverse group of leaders, organizations and interests working to end the flow of plastics into the world’s oceans. Learn how OPLN’s 15-million-strong network of waste collectors – including plastics supply chain companies, NGOs, environmental organizations, public sector leaders, and representatives – is coming together to overcome the shared challenges of corporate business operations and protect marine ecosystems.Resources:OPLN websiteOPLN Global Treaty Dialogues

Over the past 50 years, as the human population doubled, wildlife populations halved. Join a thought-provoking discussion with Kelley Dennings, Population and Sustainability Campaigner at the Center of Biological Diversity. Learn about her work to connect human population growth with threats to endangered species and wild places – and how we can change our impact by addressing population and consumption issues in ways that advance human rights and build just, sustainable economies.ResourcesCenter for Biological DiversitySimplify the Holidays CampaignKelley Dennings on LinkedIn

If you’ve ordered takeout or delivery from a local restaurant, you’ve had the same experience over and over: your delicious meal is being served in a disposable container that’s used for a matter of minutes and then thrown away. Fortunately, the number of reusable systems in food service is growing. On May 12, 2021, we welcomed three special guests who are innovating solutions for the hardest-to-hack challenges around single-use packaging: Keiko Niccolini from r.Cup/r.Ware, Lauren Sweeney from DeliverZero and Paul Liotsakis from Sparkl Reusables. Tune in for a lively discussion about how their businesses are adapting – and even thriving – during the pandemic, and how you can help bring their services to your own community.

In policy organizing, we often define the win based on the outcome of a bill or ballot measure, with little regard for process. But when we think longer term about building real grassroots power, success is measured differently. In this episode, we talk with veteran power-building policy strategist Dana Laurent from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center about a common mistake in progressive policy organizing that leaves communities most affected out of the conversation. Tune in and learn about principles and resources to help us redefine the wins for an indisposable future.Resources: BISC’s Declaration of Cooperation Facilitator Toolkithttps://ballot.org/Join UPSTREAM's National Reuse Network

The process is simple: when you go to place an online order from Toad & Co, click the “reuse” button at checkout and your order will arrive in reusable packaging. Then, all that’s left is to unwrap your items, flip the label around, and put the bag back in your mailbox. Toad & Co is the first company to pilot this new packaging system, created by featured guest Ashley Etling of LimeLoop and her co-founder, Chantal Emmanuel. Listen in to learn how LimeLoop’s innovation could completely change the way products are delivered to our homes – and how smarter technology can lead to a more sustainable future. Learn More: [email protected] Business Directory - Packaging

Join UPSTREAM CEO Matt Prindiville and Algramo’s Brian Bauer in a ground-breaking conversation about reuse solutions that make everyday goods like detergent and dish soap accessible to low income households without all the waste. Algramo is a Chile-based startup partnering with some of the largest brands in the world – including Unilever, Nestle and Colgate – to provide their products through innovative refill “vending” machines. Tune in to learn how this up-and-coming startup is paving the way for big businesses to embrace reuse and reduce waste in communities.Learn More:AlgramoEmail Brian Bauer: [email protected]

In celebration of Earth Day, we invite you into a very special dialogue with Juan Macias, tribal chairman and hereditary chief of the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, Mary Aguilera with the Ohio Poor People’s Campaign, and Sylvia McKenzie with the Louisiana League of Conscious Voters. These front-line leaders dive deep and wide into the heart of the problem with petrochemical production in the US, as well as the powerful solution of solidarity. Co-hosted with Break Free From Plastic’s Melissa Aguayo.Learn more and support:The Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of TexasThe Ohio Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral RevivalLouisiana League of Conscious Voters: Contact [email protected] if you want to support this group!More Petrochem Buildout Actions & Resources from Break Free From Plastic

Some of our listeners may have heard of Dame Ellen MacArthur, the famed sailor who set the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation around the globe.But what people may not know is that she also started the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF), which has become one of the world’s most influential environmental organizations – working to inspire a generation to re-think, re-design and build a circular economy. In this episode, Matt Prindiville talks to Sarah Wingstread, Program Manager for Innovation at EMF’s New Plastics Economy Initiative about applying root-cause – upstream! – solutions to address our plastic waste crisis through elimination, reuse, and material circulation. She also walks through highlights from their latest report which she co-authored, Upstream Innovation: A Guide to Packaging Solutions. Resources:Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation’s Upstream Innovation Report and GuideUPSTREAM’s Publications and Key ReportsThe New Reuse EconomyReuse Business DirectoryAll my takeout has delivered a mountain of trash. So I asked experts how to minimize it

Check out our first episode featuring babies (you will hear them playing in the background!) as we discuss one solution to the challenge of sustainable, affordable, practical diapers. EarthDiaper.org a California-based nonprofit offering compostable diapers to families in need, was founded to address this problem on a local scale. We speak with public health nurse turned nonprofit founder Lily Broberg Strong as well as the director and two young mothers from the women’s shelter that EarthDiaper serves with its closed loop compostable diaper service. Prepare to be inspired by these amazing women making an indisposable future a reality every day in their local community.Resources: EarthDiaper.orgJMJ HomeEarthBaby.comDyper.comHumanManure HandbookNurtureDiaper.comZbest Composting

Back in the pre-pandemic days, some of our listeners may have attended a concert or an event where r.Cup provided their reusable cup service to replace single-use cups. And one of the special things that they did was work with some of the world’s biggest artists, like U2, Jack Johnson, and the Rolling Stones to engage their audiences around reuse. BUT r.Cup is about a lot more than just reusable cups. Like UPSTREAM, they’re working to build and support the reuse movement to disrupt single-use across the board, and this year they’re expanding into reusable to-go ware for take-out and delivery with their new initiative r.Ware. Resources: (include links to resources mentioned in episode as appropriate)www.rcup.comwww.rware.comwww.rturn.comUPSTREAM's Reuse Business Directory

What did Americans do before we had public waste management? What did UPSTREAM do before the plastic pollution movement began? What were the big turning points that got us to this dawn of Reuse we find ourselves entering in 2021? What’s the world we’ll live in after plastic pollution is gone? From 1800s horse poop to today’s innovative reuse companies, paddle along through this conversation with UPSTREAM CEO Matt Prindiville and Indisposable Podcast co-host Brooking Gatewood as they tell the tale of UPSTREAM.Resources:UPSTREAM’s Learning Hub Skip the Stuff Campaign Recent Research on The Awesome Potential of Reuse Job CreationAdventures in activism: The story of 5 GyresOnce upon a beautiful disruption (a conversation with the Dancing Foxes)

This episode features a “power hour” 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 Plastics, and UPSTREAM’s own Miriam Gordon to learn what 2021 holds for plastics policy under the new Biden administration. You’ll learn about what types of plastics and packaging-related bills are being introduced, including the federal Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. You’ll also get some good old fashioned policy wonkery about extended producer responsibility for packaging and deposit-return systems for beverage containers. And how reuse policy is moving forward at the city and state level – even during the pandemic. You can also check out the video of this episode on our YouTube Channel.Helpful resources to dig in more: National Caucus of Environmental Legislators​Beyond Plastics​UPSTREAM’s Reuse Learning Hub​Reuse Acceleration Policies​More information on the National Reuse Network and the Government Reuse Forum​Covid Safety Resources​BFFPPA summaryPlastic-Free PresidentFederal Stimulus & Other Funding ReportCourse (open to all): Beyond Plastic Pollution with Judith Enck ​A Story of Plastic Virtual Film Screening & Panel Discussion

Samantha Sommer built a project called Rethink Disposable that helped several hundred food service providers in the San Francisco Bay Area make the shift from single-use to reuse. From mom & pop restaurants, to chains, to institutional dining and college and corporate campuses – Sam helped prove that every single business has saved money once they made the shift to using reusable foodware. Since joining UPSTREAM as Director of Business of Innovation last year, Sam has been hard at work promoting the benefits of reuse in food service and engaging communities and businesses in co-creating the new reuse economy (even during a pandemic!). Through proven models she’s developed, she’s able to show businesses how shifting to reuse can save money and help remove barriers to creating a sustainable reuse service infrastructure.Resources: Reuse Business DirectoryReuse vs Single-use: EconomicsA Design Sprint With Business Innovators