Upcycling is a great way of reusing what you already having and giving it a second lease of life.
All that upcycling means is taking something that is old and/or no longer wanted and altering it to make something new.
It can cover a range of things. Maybe you no longer want a top so you turn the material into a cushion cover. Some people will purchase second-hand items and repaint or repurpose them to sell them on for a greater price.
Benefits of Upcycling
Upcycling great for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s beneficial for the environment because it saves materials from going to landfill and minimises the use of raw materials. This promotes a circular economy and helps you avoid being greenwashed when purchasing new items from companies claiming to be ‘green’.
Secondly, upcycling can be a really cost-effective way of redesigning a room or even your closet.
Finally, upcycling can be a creative outlet which you may choose to use as a hobby.
Examples
- Turn tin cans into kitchen utensil holders
- Make a floor mat out of wine corks
- Reuse an old wine bottle as a lamp
- Turn an old trunk into a coffee table
- Give an old wooden chair a makeover
- Freshen up your cabinets
- Transform your jeans
- Turn a scarf into a top
- Reuse your old sweaters as a quilt