The new motto for Global Recycling Day: “upcycle, reduce and reuse!”

Before getting into upcycling, let’s get one thing straight: upcycling is not just reusing old stuff. It’s not recycling. It’s reimagining your belongings to create something even better, like new furniture from old floors or tables from water pipes. It’s taking things we take for granted and transforming them into something unique, functional, and beautiful. 

Today, the reuse of materials is not just a way to produce sustainable products – it is also a source of inspiration for people looking for new ways to create and give items a new purpose.

Upcycling is the practice of creating something new out of old products. Instead of throwing out furniture that has seen better days, upcycling involves repurposing it and giving it a second life. This process gives a new life to your old possessions while also helping to reduce waste and preserve the environment!

Now is the time to contribute to a more eco-friendly world by adopting more sustainable daily habits. Recycling your goods isn’t enough, but to also upcycle them!

Still need some reasons to start upcycling, here are 3 things you didn’t know about this topic:

1.  Upcycling and recycling are different concepts, but they complement each other

The main difference resides in the fact that, in recycling, parts of an object are broken down and used to create something new. While in upcycling, the object maintains its original purpose without losing its value. For example, a bicycle can be transformed into a beautiful lamp – which doesn’t necessarily give up on the possibility of being reused in its original purpose.

2.  Upcycling supports the circular economy and benefits the environment

Who wouldn’t want to contribute to the environment? Upcycling has a high impact on both the environment and the circular economy. Less manufacturing means less carbon dioxide. It contributes to the extension of the lifetime of the materials, minimies the extraction of natural resources, and reduces landfill waste.

3.  There are many types of upcycling

Upcycling can be applied to almost everything. Starting from fashion, furniture, or industrial, there are plenty of ways of upcycling that contribute to the circular economy. DIY home decor ideas or even turning a t-shirt into a crop top, all of these are part of the upcycling process. Also, many businesses already upcycle, and people can invest in them. In the future, with the increase of consumers’ concerns about sustainability, more and more companies and brands will adopt the upcycling trend.

So, this Recycling Day, think about ways to upcycle, reduce, and reuse objects around your house. Together, we can make more sustainable choices and contribute to a more ecological world.