I’ve become really obsessed with the ideas of upcycling and repurposing lately. Two incredibly awesome ideas that both mean relatively the same thing: making something old into something new. It’s great for the planet! :D
Upcycling
Upcycling is basically the process of taking old, unused or unloved things and turning them into something completely new. For example, when I made a quilt out of all my old jeans, I was upcycling :)
Some awesome upcycling stores I’ve found:
- Olga Road – New leather jackets made from old, out-of-date thrift-store leather items
- Freitag – making used truck tarps, bicycle tires and seatbelts into awesome messenger bags and loads of other items
- Etsy! – Etsy stores have a massive number of upcycled products that are just amazing! Some of my favorite are spoon rings and these rugs made from plastic grocery bags! And check out this rug made of vintage clothing. Love it!
Repurposing
Whereas upcycling is the process of turning something old or useless into something completely different and new, repurposing is the process of making something old or broken into something similar that is useful and purposeful again. For example, if I rescued an old, ugly lamp and then sanded and painted it and made a new lampshade, I would be reporposing that lamp. Many websites also call this recycling although it’s not, really.
Two awesome repurposing blogs I’m following:
- My Repurposed Life – This lady buys old furniture for less than $5 and makes it into new and beautiful things!
- Studs and Pearls – This creative blog by a 20-something in NYC is all about making your own clothes and jewelry by repurposing thrift store clothing – and she has great taste and ingenuity :)
Given my interest in do-it-yourself projects, frugality, and hand-making things, I guess I naturally would think these are awesome ideas!
I hope over the years, we’ll continue to see more people choosing to recycle, upcycle and repurpose old throw-away thrift store items. I know I will — saving both the landfills from the eventual trash and myself from consuming overpriced new things that I don’t need!
What might you upcycle or reporpose?
Time to be creative!!
