What is history of upcycling? The term upcycle began to gain traction in the mid 90s. Then in 2002, William McDonough and Michael Braungart’s book ‘Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things’ brought the term into the public eye, and solidified its use in pop culture. McDonough and Braungart were pioneers in the field of upcycling, advocating that we should all strive to extend a products life. Today, that idea is interpreted as meaning we should create from what is being discarded; whenever possible.
But isn’t that just recycling? Some would say that upcycling must move goods or supplies up the supply chain while recycling does not. Others would conclude that upcycling is a physical process and recycling is a chemical process. Still other definitions state that for something to be considered upcycled there must be an increase in worth or quality. Because one can find truth in all of these explanations, we use a broad definition that includes them all. Upcycling is taking an item that is no longer needed or wanted and giving it new life as something that is either useful or creative
Why has Upcycling become so popular? The increased awareness of environmental responsibility and a slow economy has led to a major increase in upcycling. The college student short on cash may upcycle their out of fashion jeans by adding a few seams and rips instead of buying a new pair all together. Home owners are looking for ways to renovate with salvaged, and in some cases, free materials. The green mom on a budget may upcycle her old clothes into clothes for her children. This innovative spirit and environmental consciousness has led to upcycling in nearly all areas of life. From green companies to your Mother’s kitchen, people are looking to save money and the planet. Upcycling does both.
How to Upcycle? Consider life during the Great Depression. Industrious housewives re-used and re-purposed as much as they could. Old dresses were fashioned into aprons. Rags were made into rugs. Left over food was turned into tomorrow’s lunch or composted into a natural garden fertilizer. By learning from our past and focusing on what is best for future generations, everyone can be successful at upcycling.