Crystal Dreisbach is CEO of Upstream, a leading change agency for the reuse movement in the United States and Canada. Upstream’s mission is to drive change toward a robust and enduring reuse economy, and its vision is a regenerative, circular, equitable world where people and the planet are treated as non-disposable and communities thrive without waste. Upstream’s approach is to normalize reuse, grow and support the reuse industry, and create a strong policy environment that advances reuse. Crystal has piloted first-in-the-nation reuse solutions including developing a tech-powered, city-wide reuse system reusable takeout container program; designing, building, and operating wash hubs and reuse models for schools, restaurants, festival venues, and consumer packaged goods producers; influencing food code and health department practices to support reuse; and demonstrating the feasibility of curbside pickup of reusables in a city. She formerly headed Don’t Waste Durham, a waste prevention organization in Durham, North Carolina (USA), which she had founded in 2012, leading local and state policy changes to reduce single-use plastics and building the infrastructure and logistics that make reuse possible. She joined Upstream in August 2023, where she continues to advance reuse in N. America. She believes reuse is not only a solution to pollution and climate change, but one that builds workforce and economic development, strengthens business practices, and is a critical part of the just transition. Crystal’s award-winning work has been featured on national news including PBS, NPR, Treehugger, and Fast Company Magazine. In 2021, she was awarded Activist of the Year at The Reusies®, and she serves on the Advisory Council of the US Plastics Pact. She has a master’s degree in public health and is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.
