About Upcycling

What Is Upcycling?

Upcycling is taking something that’s considered waste and repurposing it. The upcycled item often becomes more functional or beautiful than what it previously was and the value of the item is increased.

The Difference Between Recycling and Upcycling

Recycling and Upcycling have different processes. In the recycling process, items are broken down to be reused. Paper is shredded and turned into pulp, plastic is shredded and melted into pellets or glass is smashed and melted to be recast. This downcycling is an essential step in the recycling process, but it does degrade the value of the materials. 

Upcycling is a creative process where waste is looked at as a resource. Materials are reused in a clever and creative way, giving them a second life and function. Such as dresser drawer decorated and used as a shelf hung on a wall. 

Both recycling and upcycling are important as they reuse materials instead of throwing them away. Less landfill waste has a positive impact on the environment.

How to Upcycle

Anyone can upcycle.  You can either think of something that you’d like transform into something else and Make It.  Or you can choose to take an item and Use It, such as an empty pickle jar used to hold pens.