Post by whisker on Sept 10, 2011 14:38:12 GMT
Definition: Upcycling is "The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value". The term was coined in the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart. [Ask.com]
Here's more:
“Upcycled” vs. “reused”: If you are rescuing an old bookcase from the scrap heap, putting a new coat of paint on it, and using it again as a book case, you are not technically “upcycling” that bookcase because it was not made into anything new. It’s
that that bookcase has not gone off to the landfill, but with apologies to the many people that “upcycle” in this way, this is a reused item, not an upcycled item. I understand the temptation to call it upcycled, since it is a trendy word and the words “reused” could sound yucky to some people, but it’s not a piece of gum or a band-aid we are talking about here. Plus, these days, you can sell an “upcycled” item for a higher price than you can for an equivalent “reused” item.Read more:
hipcycle.com/2011/06/21/vernacular-of-upcycling/
...and here's another fun article with upcycling ideas for the home:
stevesroom2grow.blogspot.com/2011/07/upcycling-definition.html
Have you upcycled anything recently, or do you plan to. Please tell us about it. ;D
