Who said Recycling can't be Crafty?

Everyone has heard the term recycling before. You take the bins to the curb every week full of glass, plastic and paper; composts are being set up in backyards for gardeners to recycle food waste. But what should be done about old clothes, fabrics, tables, and even computer keyboards? The term “upcycling” is a term that means taking something that was waste and transforming it into something valuable. The trend has really taken off and has created a movement where consumers can be cost conscious, trendy, AND eco-friendly. What a crowd pleaser! Mainstreaming upcycling and using waste to “close the loop” on the reuse of resources is an important aspect of developing sustainability globally. By decreasing landfill waste and reusing products that are potentially harmful if left in a landfill, we are able to create a better, healthier world for ourselves and for future generations.

More companies are creating and designing amazing products that brighten up any living space! Here are a few photos from a Upcycle That, a website that features sustainable upcycled products from around the globe!

Check out these fun Adirondack ski chairs from Lake Placid, NY:

And this crate coffee table:

What is great is that anyone can participate in upcycling! Here are a few ideas to get you moving on a path to sustainability. (Remember last week's blog post? These ideas are also fantastic to try out as creative holiday gifts!)

•   Take an old sweater and upcycle it into winter mittens (and a hat if the sweater is large enough)
•   Use old t-shirts to create reusable shopping bags
•   Paint used glass jars to hold pens or miscellaneous small items
•   Use old computer chips and keyboard buttons to create picture frames and drink coasters

Those are just some ideas and there are many more at these websites:

100 Amazing Upcycling Ideas Anyone Can Do

Upcycling Evolves From Recycling

Now that you have some websites to check out, have some fun with your own upcycling ideas! Be sure to check out our next article about the understanding the role of plastic and how plastic is an important aspect of our lives that should not just be thrown away.