Upcycling: Make it a DIY DAY!

With easy DIY projects, you can make the most out of everything you own

During these unprecedented times, we may find ourselves running out of activities to do with the extra time on our hands.

Have you cleaned out the house but aren’t sure about how to dispose of unwanted or obsolete items? Looking for a fun activity to do with the kids? Trying to save some money?

With the sudden need for more indoor activities and methods of entertainment, upcycling is one way we can not only reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, but also, combat boredom and give our eyes a break from screen time.


What is upcycling?

Upcycling is the process of recreating new items from used or unwanted materials. It is an innovative way for anyone to reduce waste anywhere at any time – you can be as creative as you want to be. The materials, methods and use of upcycled items are completely up to you and there are no limitations to what you can make.


The difference between upcycling and recycling

Recycling involves converting waste into new materials or items whereas upcycling puts this process into the maker’s hands. Upcycling aims to foster creativity and innovation with the materials and methods used to recreate new items and improve them overall.

The benefits of upcycling

Besides reducing the amount of landfill, upcycling creates new opportunities for self-development and makes us rethink our actions towards waste management. Here are some more reasons to start upcycling today:

·Reduces unnecessary, new purchases

When we have the freedom to produce and standardise our own products, we are able to save costs on new additions to our households while also catering to our personal needs.

·Encourages creativity

Upcycling helps us develop ways to use the materials we already have instead of buying new items from a store, making us think harder about how we choose to use them. It is a creatively stimulating activity and encourages us to recreate objects for daily use from readymade materials.

·Creates unique, one-off products

Have you ever disliked the function or appearance of a product but had no other choice? Upcycling gives us the freedom of designing and customising products according to our personal needs and interests. It is also a great way to make unique and personalised gifts for others.

·Reduces the manufacturing, transportation and packaging of products

Creating products from the comfort of our homes, not only saves the logistics of creating and transporting products, but also the excess packaging that comes with many commercial products today. It also makes us become aware of how much excess waste comes with constructing materials to fit a cut or shape which leads us to thinking creatively about how to maximise the use of each material we upcycle to its’ fullest.

·A digital detox

With limitations and closures of public spaces and events in 2020, many of us may find we are resorting to electronic home entertainment and therefore increased interaction with screens. Upcycling allows us to take on activities which allow us to take a break and detox digitally.

·See your hard work come to use

The fruits of your labour and creative juices will be revealed through upcycling and you will be able to see first-hand how your products can be used functionally and enhance your daily life.

·Share your knowledge

Once you’ve learned how to create one item from scratch, share it with your friends, family or the internet and further inspire others with the benefits and ease of upcycling.


What can you upcycle?

Absolutely anything! From aluminium cans and cardboard boxes to old furniture and clothing, it is completely up to you on the materials you use. Start with waste that you would think about putting straight in the bin and then move onto obsolete or household items that no longer add value to your life compared to when you first purchased them.


How to upcycle?

Feel like you’re not creative enough? Start small. Try recreating something from a simple item like decorating a cardboard box that can be used to organise items in the pantry or transforming an aluminium can into a pencil holder. Check out the following links that might spark some new ideas:

24 Cardboard box ideas

How to remove the top of an aluminium can

10 ways to upcycle an aluminium can

Trash to treasure crafts

Upcycling tutorials on Pinterest

Upcycle That


Tips

·If you don’t have every single material you need to complete a project, ask your family, friends or neighbours if they do.

·Don’t worry if something doesn’t turn out the way you planned. You can always change, add or take away materials, or you might even find another purpose for the item. Mix it up!

·Have fun! Upcycling shouldn’t be a burden, it should be an activity to make us aware of our waste and how we can minimise this through a creative process.

·Want to take your newly made products to the next level? This free course on Future Learn teaches you how existing businesses upcycle and how you could share your upcycled products with others as well.

Upcycling contributes to our lives in a way that makes handling waste more fun and fulfilling. The myriad of new products we can create outweigh the increasing landfill where rubbish may never to be reused again, making upcycling a practical solution to the ongoing waste management issue. We may also surprise ourselves with the number of innovative products we are able to produce from our own waste within the comfort of our homes. So, go on and start your new project today!

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