Upcycling: Fashion for the Future

It is becoming increasingly apparent that something must be done about our global climate crisis. Though nearly everyone is saying this, little action is actually being taken. Most of us feel that we do not have the resources, funds, or power to make the type of impact we know we need. Implementing small-scale changes within our lives is an idea typically written off as being a waste of time or something that won’t make a difference. While these practices may not have a direct influence on our overall environment, they can help to offset the negative effects of our energy consumption within our homes and communities. 

Image Courtesy: Homecrux

The usual examples that come to mind when we think of sustainable practices are things like taking shorter showers, composting, buying reusable bags, or driving fuel-efficient cars. Among these many examples, one in particular often gets overlooked. This is the process known as upcycling. It involves using old, waste materials to create new products. This may sound similar to recycling, but upcycling differs in that you do not break down the materials and instead preserve their original form. It is as simple as taking something such as a record and turning it into a clock or using an empty yogurt container as a pot for plants. 

Many artists implement this practice in crafting their pieces such as Wim Delvoye who works with used tires or Michelle Reader who utilizes the parts from old toys. Even larger organizations upcycle like Habitat for Humanity. There are hundreds of tutorials and ideas online for ways you can get started upcycling in your daily life. 

Image Courtesy: Shoe Addict

We throw things away without giving them a second thought when we should instead be considering how we may repurpose these items. It is a simplistic way to reduce our carbon footprint as well as save money on brand-new products we would have otherwise purchased. Upcycling encourages us to think outside the box and be inventive. 

Two billion tons of solid waste are generated annually across the globe with food waste making up nearly 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. But upcycling has the potential to help us cut down on these statistics, and it can be a fun way to spend what free time we have. So the next time you go to toss out an egg carton in the garbage or even a shelf on the side of the road, I encourage you to rethink how you could put it to use. 

Strike Out, 

Writer: Beatrice Smith

Editor: Susanna Skelton 

Chattanooga