Tires
While recycling is a term now familiar to everyone, mentioning “upcycling” to the average person will often be met with a blank stare. Generally speaking, upcycling is taking things that would otherwise be thrown away and making them into something useful or attractive.
Though the word may be new, thrift is not a new concept. In fact, up until the 1950s or so, upcycling was actually commonplace. Everything was used until it was in no way beneficial. For example, seed bags were made into clothing, bags, and anything else that could be useful.
Baskets Made from Tires...Genius!
Modern-day upcyclers put just about anything they can find to good use. Broken pieces of jewelry are combined to make a new, beautiful necklace. Old t-shirts are made into balls of
yarn, and juice packs are made into handbags. Anyone can get in on the movement by examining their consumer habits and finding new uses for items they already have.
Upcycling not only protects the environment from unnecessary waste, but also allows us to add to the beauty of our immediate home environment with attractive, affordable alternatives. Perhaps one of the most impressive benefits of upcycling is that it can fit in everywhere: the home, office, and everywhere in between.