Upcycling is a term that emerged about twenty years ago to describe the art of making new things from old not-easily recyclable materials. The process gives new life to materials and products while increasing their value without first degrading (breaking down) them. For example, cutting paper petals from egg-cartons to dress up “fairy light” bulbs is upcycling the egg carton – without first degrading them by soaking using water and remolding using heat.

Upcycling versus Recycling
Like recycling, the process of upcycling converts waste materials or useless products into new materials or products. An important difference though, is that up-cycling improves the product and gives it a better environmental value, while recycling often creates a different product or material of a lesser quality. For example, when plastics (other than that used to make beverage bottles) are recycled the new material is of a lesser quality than the original.

Upcycling reduces the consumption of new raw materials when creating new products; this in turn reduces energy use, air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling also reduces the amount of new raw materials extracted but some amount of new raw materials needs to be added to recycled materials to ensure a good quality of product. Because recycling requires breaking down or degrading materials it uses more energy and releases more emissions and pollutants into the environment. For example to recycle egg cartons, a lot of water would be needed to soak the cartons and energy used to make pulp and then to dry it on the moulds.

A growing trend
In many developing countries, upcycling is a common practice, since new raw materials are often expensive compared with the cost of reused materials. Interestingly the upcycling trend is gaining popularity in the developed world as people become more eco-conscious. A range of upcycled products now exist on the market in these societies such as jewelry, furniture and fashion. Companies are emerging that are combining good taste and eco-consciousness to bring to the market luxury items made from upcycled materials and that tell a story. Existing on the market are items such as: bracelets made from old flip flops, lamps made from blenders and even new luxury products such as bags, belts, wallets and cufflinks made from fire hoses. Some designers are even making clothing from upcycled sails while others are making furniture from upcycled posters and chair frames.

Up-cycling ideas for the holidays
As we approach the festive holiday season it is a good juncture to reinforce that upcycling stands in contrast to recycling and it increases the value of products using creativity, instead of just reusing them. It is also a good time to get into the act of upcycling materials to make gifts and decorations. Here are some ideas to try:
• Convert an old vase into a decorative candle holder.
• Turn old picture frames into an art.
• Make a garland out of plastic bottle bases.
• Make a planter out of a milk or juice carton.
• Create an ornament from non-working Christmas lights.
• Build a Christmas tree with old books.

It is often said that “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure” – so re-sell it or donate it and let someone else be inspired.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending your letters to: “The Earth Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division. Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com