Upcycling

Get Creative with Upcycling

We’re all familiar with recycling. Using the blue or green bins next to trash cans will ship objects off to be broken down for their materials, eventually creating a new item you may never see again. But did you know there is another way to give old pieces a new life? This fun and sustainable process is called upcycling. 

Upcycling means refurbishing and reusing something in a way that increases the original object’s value. In other words, upcycling is taking something old or damaged and creating something new to enjoy. Whether it be furniture that has seen plenty of wear and tear or an old pair of jeans that would now fit best as shorts, upcycling is a fun way to transform any item. 

When we upcycle, it prevents the chance for materials to end up in a landfill, something that we’ve learned is very harmful to our planet. Instead, you have artistic control over how that new piece looks and functions. Upcycling can even be a collaborative activity! Inviting friends and family to join in and bring old items and materials from their collections is a great way to get creative together and share resources. Looking for some inspiration? Let’s take a look at a few of the many ways you can upcycle:

• Before throwing away plastic bottles, especially those large, two-liter containers, clean them out, add soil and seeds, and create a small planter for herbs and more.
• Candles are a great addition to any space, but many of our old candles end up in the trash once they’re done. Instead, clean out the candle and convert the glass into a jar for office supplies, Q-tips, spare change, and any small knick-knack that needs a home.
• We all use toilet paper and paper towels, but what do you do with the cardboard cylinders once they’re empty? Rather than tossing them out, turn your old tubes into helpful cable organizers. Cords and chargers quickly become tangled and messy, but this upcycling hack saves the day. You can add labels, ribbons, tape, and more to match your style!

The options for upcycling are just about endless! Based on skill level, ability, and supplies on hand, there are a variety of opportunities to give life to an object that has seen better days. Upcycling is a great way to protect our planet from harmful waste. So, the next time you consider tossing out a worn-down piece, we encourage you to try this alternative. 

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