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It was yesterday, Wednesday the 24th of June, but I missed it as we went for a day trip to the beach.
There is a DAY for everything now – so we now have upcycling day too! Happy Upcycle Day!
What is upcycling?
Upcycling is the purpose of repurposing or reusing something that you might have otherwise simply discarded.
Why upcycle?
The environmental benefits of upcycling are simply enormous. We not only manage to save materials and waste from being sent to landfill, we also reduce the need for production using new or raw materials. Therefore we can reduce air pollution, water pollution and harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Plus of course we conserve global resources and minimise the use of natural resources.
It’s different from recycling
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and things. When something is recycled – typically plastics, paper, metals or glass – it is broken down. In this way the basic materials recovered can be then remade into something new.
Upcycling adds value to the waste materials and takes less energy to process. Upcycling is a very specific type of recycling where waste is turned into a product or material of higher quality.
What can be upcycled?
A lot of things! The most popular upcycling projects are the furniture and regular household items to be repurposed. But upcycling clothing items are also very popular.
Everyone can do it
The really good thing about upcycling is that there really are no limits to what you can create. It’s a very sustainable, cost-effective option. You don’t even need any type of skill to be perfectly honest. You just need imagination, time and the will – because you will most certainly pick a few new skills up as you go!
Have you ever tried it? Happy Upcycle Day!