It was while making sure we had the right definition of the word “sorting” and “recycling” that we came face to face with this new term: upcycling. So, let’s go back to basics, 1 euro question, what is…:
Sorting?
This is the first step. Whether you decide to send your "waste" to be recycled or you decide to upcycle, it all starts at home, at your workplace, in a park, wherever you are! Thus, selective sorting consists of separating waste according to its nature, at the source to avoid contact and contamination.
Recycling ?
Recycling is an industrial process by which waste is transformed into a new material, which is then used to make a new object. It is basically the production of raw materials from waste, by reintroducing it into the life cycle. It is very important because of the depletion of natural resources and in order to effectively eliminate waste.
Recycling happens for example when your cans (steel or aluminum) are crushed and melted to obtain metals and re-insert them, this time as raw material in the market cycle. You may have drunk a can of biiip (no brand name) made from a can, made from a can, made from a can, made from a can… (aluminum is very recyclable).
Upcycling?
But what is upcycling? Upcycling is the practice of creating a usable product from waste or unwanted items or adapting an existing product in some way to add value.
To put it simply, if we take a used glass bottle, melt it and this melted glass is used to make a carafe, it is recycling. On the other hand, if we take the same bottle, clean it and use it directly as decoration for our new lamp, it is upcycling.
Unlike recycling, upcycling creates a new product by creatively reusing, in whole or in part, an object as it is; but as with recycling, the resulting product can be very similar or very different from the previous one. Basically, it's recycling!
The major advantage of upcycling over recycling is its environmental impact and thanks to this technique new movements have emerged. This is the case of Fashion Revolution, for example, which, with only five years of existence, is already the largest fashion activism movement in the world. Their goal? To put an end to human exploitation and the harmful environmental consequences of fast fashion.
Another example? The Upcycling Challenge 2021 of the WeLoveU International Foundation, an activity designed to celebrate World Recycling Day!
Do you know of any other movements or organizations related to upcycling? Tell us about them!
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