Upstream innovation in a circular economy means tackling problems at their root to prevent waste. For instance, shifting just 20% of plastic packaging from single-use to reuse presents a $10

Upstream innovation in a circular economy means tackling problems at their root to prevent waste. For instance, shifting just 20% of plastic packaging from single-use to reuse presents a $10 billion opportunity, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

Highlights from a recent episode featured Apeel, which extends food life without single-use plastic, and Enviu, which shared reuse business models tackling plastic pollution at its source in Indonesia.

Discover over 100 solutions in our Upstream Innovation Guide. Watch the full episode or explore more episodes of The Circular Economy Show.

Just as you'd stop a flood's source before mopping, tackling problems "upstream" means addressing their root cause. In a circular economy, upstream innovation prevents issues like waste from ever

Just as you'd stop a flood's source before mopping, tackling problems "upstream" means addressing their root cause. In a circular economy, upstream innovation prevents issues like waste from ever occurring.

This approach offers significant benefits. For instance, shifting 20% of plastic packaging to reuse represents a $10 billion opportunity, benefiting both the environment and economy.

Explore cutting-edge upstream innovations combating plastic pollution. We'll feature Apeel, extending produce life without single-use plastic, and Enviu, sharing reuse projects from Indonesia to the Netherlands.

Hong Kong's Keep Clean Ambassador, Ah Tak, challenges us to rethink our relationship with nature, asserting that humans often take the environment for granted. Appointed official mascot by the

Hong Kong's Keep Clean Ambassador, Ah Tak, challenges us to rethink our relationship with nature, asserting that humans often take the environment for granted. Appointed official mascot by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in 2016, this green, dinosaur-like character dedicates his life to promoting environmental love and respect.

His message was delivered at the TEDxTongChongSt COUNTDOWN virtual event on October 15, 2020. COUNTDOWN, a global TED initiative, seeks to accelerate climate crisis solutions, targeting a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 for a zero-carbon future. This TEDx event was independently organized. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Our oceans are overwhelmed by plastic pollution. The U.S. Congress has introduced the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, a landmark bill designed to phase out single-use plastics and shift the

Our oceans are overwhelmed by plastic pollution. The U.S. Congress has introduced the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, a landmark bill designed to phase out single-use plastics and shift the responsibility for waste to producing companies.

Protect marine life and our oceans by urging your members of Congress to support this vital legislation. Take action now: http://bit.ly/2Ic52Ga.

Join our community of Wavemakers! Subscribe and stay connected with us: https://www.instagram.com/oceana/, http://twitter.com/oceana, https://www.facebook.com/oceana/.

Aakash, 24, is an entrepreneur and climate activist driven by wanderlust and environmental passion. He has extensively traveled over 78,000 km by hitchhiking, cycling, and walking. Committed to

Aakash, 24, is an entrepreneur and climate activist driven by wanderlust and environmental passion. He has extensively traveled over 78,000 km by hitchhiking, cycling, and walking. Committed to responsible travel, he minimizes his carbon footprint by using public transport, avoiding single-use plastic, and maintaining a vegan lifestyle for three years.

As a climate activist, Aakash initiates projects, collaborates with organizations, and writes for national and international publications. He shares insights on his blog at aakashranison.com and Instagram @aakashranison. He also founded The Golden Bird Foundation, an NGO providing computer education to underprivileged children. A TEDx speaker (https://www.ted.com/tedx), he also works as a writer, photographer, and web developer.

Plastic pollution poses a severe environmental threat. Plastic packaging constitutes nearly half of global plastic waste, much of it single-use. This plastic can take up to a thousand years to

Plastic pollution poses a severe environmental threat. Plastic packaging constitutes nearly half of global plastic waste, much of it single-use. This plastic can take up to a thousand years to decompose, entering our food systems and projected to outweigh fish in oceans by 2050.

Ecoware confronts this challenge by producing 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging. Made from agricultural waste, their affordable and sustainable tableware, packaging, and medical products offer an alternative to single-use plastics.

Learn how Ecoware achieved this and if their model can be replicated in a session.

On August 14, 2019, Pakistan celebrated two independence days: its 72nd national freedom and the launch of a ban on single-use plastic bags. This initiative began with Islamabad's pilot project,

On August 14, 2019, Pakistan celebrated two independence days: its 72nd national freedom and the launch of a ban on single-use plastic bags. This initiative began with Islamabad's pilot project, making Pakistan one of 129 countries combating plastic pollution.

The World Bank is committed to Pakistan's environmental sustainability. Demonstrating this, the World Bank's Islamabad campus has operated free of single-use plastic for the past year, aligning with its pledge to "walk the talk."

Harmen, with a background in media and design, is passionate about materials and manufacturing. He challenges the current "short lifecycle" model where cheap plastic dominates. His vision is to

Harmen, with a background in media and design, is passionate about materials and manufacturing. He challenges the current "short lifecycle" model where cheap plastic dominates. His vision is to transform plastic's role from single-use to a high-quality technical material, advocating for alternative materials and global solutions to plastic pollution.

Our increasing reliance on plastics has led to severe environmental consequences. Global production reached 311 million tons by 2015, yet only 9% is recycled, with 95% ending up in oceans. Despite thousands of plastic types being technically recyclable, economic and practical challenges persist. This necessitates a reevaluation of our material choices and their long-term impact.

This talk was presented at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Athina Kyriakopoulou's TEDx talk challenges us to confront the reality of our waste. She asks critical questions: What percentage of plastic is truly recycled? How is "environmentally friendly"

Athina Kyriakopoulou's TEDx talk challenges us to confront the reality of our waste. She asks critical questions: What percentage of plastic is truly recycled? How is "environmentally friendly" solar technology disposed of, especially in developing nations?

Her presentation uncovers the hidden, problematic world of trash, from single-use plastics to lead-acid batteries. This growing issue, often ignored, will soon demand our attention.

This talk was independently organized by a local community under the TEDx format. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Sierra Leone is pioneering efforts to reduce plastic waste in its tourism sector, which thrives on the country's rich biodiversity and beautiful coastlines. Recognizing that plastic pollution

Sierra Leone is pioneering efforts to reduce plastic waste in its tourism sector, which thrives on the country's rich biodiversity and beautiful coastlines. Recognizing that plastic pollution threatens these vital natural assets, the World Bank is supporting the government through its "Sierra Leone Circular Economy in Plastics for Sustainable Tourism and Economic Diversification project." This initiative aims to foster a more sustainable and circular economy for tourism.

The World Bank, a leading source of funding and knowledge for low-income countries, is committed to promoting sustainable development. Discover more about their circular economy work in Sierra Leone here. Watch related videos here and here. Learn more about the World Bank at worldbank.org.