As you may know, upcycling is the backbone of the c.HAIR.i.TEE® initiative. By taking t-shirts and reusing them to make hair accesories, c.HAIR.i.TEE® is championing the upcycling idea. But what exactly is upcycling? You certainly know how to ask the right questions. Here are 5 things you probably did not know (or never thought) about upcycling:
1. First, the dictionary defines upcycling as the process of “reusing discarded objects or materials in such a way to create a product of a higher quality or value than the original.” This simply means that upcycling is reusing materials to make something new, often times something pretty amazing.
2. Recycling and upcycling are in fact different things. As opposed to the above definition of upcycling, recycling involves the actual conversion of an item to its root components to then use in making another item, usually of equal value. Despite the difference in the definitions of recycling and upcycling, they are often used interchangeably in conversation because they essentially involve doing the same thing: taking what was old and making something new.
3. The term “upcycling” was first used by Reiner Pilz. He was quoted in an article written by Thornton Kay of Salvo, a company that works in architectural salvage and reclaimed building materials. The term and idea increased in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, the concept has been around for many decades, going as far back as the 1930s.
4. There are many benefits associated with upcycling including, but certainly not limited to, reducing the amount of discarded materials, conservation of resources, and the advancement of innovation and creativity.
5. The internet (particularly Pinterest) is teeming with interesting upcycle ideas if you are feeling creative. There are plenty of fun projects you can do on your own or with a group of friends. There’s even a magazine dedicated to answering your upcycling questions and giving you some amazing ideas. You can check it out at: http://www.upcyclemagazine.com/
So whether it is diving into the upcycling world on your own or buying upcycled items, like c.hair.i.tees, you should definitely join the upcycle revolution.