Upcycling is a method in which old or discarded materials
are converted into something reusable.
The difference between upcycling and recycling is simple. Recycling
takes consumer materials such as plastic, paper, metal, and glass and breaks
them down so that they can be made into a new consumer product (usually of
lesser quality). When you upcycle an item you aren’t breaking down ant
materials, just purely refashioning it. Additionally
the quality of the upcycled item has same or even better quality than the
original.
Upcycling is beneficial towards the environment because the
act saves or removes materials from the waste system. It also requires less
energy than recycling and encourages innovative thought process
People who upcycle can take part in a plethora of upcycle
projects, depending on skill and comfort ability level. You can upcycle almost
anything, including wine bottles, jeans, wire hangers, etc.
Here are some links to examples of innovative upcycling projects:
Teacup
Tiebacks for Curtain
Necktie
Glasses Case
Keyboard
Key Ring
Chalk
Painted Clipboard
