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Why Upcycling is more than just a Trend
Published: 24/05/2016
Upcycling has become a trendy way to turn trash into treasure, however, it's so much more than just a cool way to decorate your garden! Below are five reasons why upcycling is so important in today's world...
It keeps materials out of the landfill.
We spoke to Alex Eaves, director for the popular documentary 'REUSE! Because You Can't Recycle The Planet', he says: 'As a form of reusing, upcycling is extremely beneficial to the environment, as it not only keeps materials out of the landfill but also reduces the amount of resources needed to manufacture new materials. Upcycling allows for creativity that buying something new simply does not.'
It's a great way to get children involved in gardening.
The process of upcycling teaches children the importance of looking after our environment and that it can actually be fun! Alex Eaves continues to discuss the benefits of upcycling and how it can create enjoyable projects for children, 'As far as upcycling and creating a project for children, the possibilities are endless. Give a child a used cardboard box and they could turn it into a house, an airplane, storage for their toys, or cut things out of it.'
Physically doing it can help to relieve stress.
As most upcycling projects involve using your hands, being creative and, in most circumstances, being outdoors, all these things are a great way to relieve stress. We did a blog post on '5 ways that gardening is good for your mental health' which goes more in depth on how gardening is good for you, very interesting read if you're a garden lover!
It creates more unique gardens and hacks for the home.
If you're passionate about gardening then you'll no doubt appreciate viewing all sorts of different gardens. Wouldn't it be awful if every garden looked the same? Upycled items can help to add an edge to outdoor spaces! Also, you can create cost efficent hacks for around the home by upcycling... Alison Bradley, who works for Star Domestic Cleaners, has a great idea for upcycling your cereal boxes, she says, 'Rather than chucking them away, after finishing you last bowl of cereal you can cut its bottom and put it in your drawer. You can use many of them on your shelves or drawers to organize your household belongings. If you want you can paint them in different colors for a prettier result.'
It opens up significant business opportunities.
Many local and independent companies have flourished from purely upcycling unwanted items into something that will become useful to someone else. Drew Johnson, Founder and Chief Executive Upcycler of TechWears.com, discusses this in more detail, 'I believe that upcycling creates significant business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Many high quality materials are looked upon as trash. Is it waste? Yes. But trash, NO. This presents unique supply chain opportunities with low barriers to entry.'
Why should we encourage more people to upcycle?
- It's a great way to get the younger generation understanding the importance of looking after the environment and that it can actually be fun.
- Reduces waste going into a landfill and resources which are used to manufacture more items.
- Great way to relieve stress.
- Creates more unique gardens.
- Creates fantastic business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
