Everyone has heard the term recycling before. You take the
bins to the curb every week full of glass, plastic and paper; composts are
being set up in backyards for gardeners to recycle food waste. But what should
be done about old clothes, fabrics, tables, and even computer keyboards? The
term “upcycling” is a term that means taking something that was waste and
transforming it into something valuable. The trend has really taken off and has
created a movement where consumers can be cost conscious, trendy, AND eco-friendly.
What a crowd pleaser! Mainstreaming upcycling and using waste to “close the
loop” on the reuse of resources is an important aspect of developing
sustainability globally. By decreasing landfill waste and reusing products that
are potentially harmful if left in a landfill, we are able to create a better,
healthier world for ourselves and for future generations.
More companies are creating and designing amazing products
that brighten up any living space! Here are a few photos from a website that
features sustainable upcycled products from around the globe!
Check out these awesome Adirondack ski chairs from Lake
Placid, NY:
And this crate coffee table:
What is great is that anyone can participate in upcycling!
Here are a few ideas to get you moving on a path to sustainability. (Remember last week's blog post? These ideas are also fantastic to try out as creative holiday gifts!)
- · Take an old sweater and upcycle it into winter mittens (and a hat if the sweater is large enough)
- · Use old t-shirts to create reusable shopping bags
- · Paint used glass jars to hold pens or miscellaneous small items
- · Use old computer chips and keyboard buttons to create picture frames and drink coasters
Those are just some ideas and there are many more at these
websites:
Now that you have some websites to check out, have some fun
with your own upcycling ideas! Be sure to check out our post next week for other
fun ideas and information.
Our Colorado Ski Chairs are made from recycled water skis. All of the non-ski parts are made from cypress, and all hardware is stainless steel. Our chair backs are shaped to your back and very comfortable.
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