Your garbage can also be your treasure! Upcycling can make a difference for the planet and you!
According to the EPA, the average American generated 4.9 pounds of trash A DAY in 2018. That amounts to 1,788.5 pounds a year. Now if you are reading this post, chances are you are trying to lower that number. Reducing your waste can seem daunting if you have never considered how much garbage you produce on a daily or even weekly basis. I promise it is going to be tough at first, but it will get easier. And upcycling is just the start.
What is upcycling?
Recycling is what we are all used to – the blue or green bins that we toss our plastics and paper into. What happens after you toss items in that bin and it’s picked up? Items are sorted and eventually broken down into their original components to create something new. Recycling can be hopeful. Not all items tossed can be broken down, which is where upcycling and downcycling come into play. Upcycling is using something that no longer has value to you, and making it so that it is useful and valuable. Usually it is something that is more valuable than how it started out. Think old and damaged jeans made into a purse.
Downcycling is breaking something down and creating something out of the components that is in theory, less valuable. It likely is something that has a lower value in terms of dollars but it is still a useful item. Think breaking down tires and making them into flooring for a playground.
Why upcycle if recycling exists?
Not everything that is tossed can actually be recycled. Municipalities can process trash differently. Some collect all different types of plastics while others just process 1s. Items that can’t be recycled can absolutely be reused and given a brand new life. When considering how to reduce waste, it is so key to look at your city’s rules when it comes to trash and recycling. You can find this information typically on your city’s webpage, but most municipalities mail out guidelines along with pick-up calendars.
Where do I start?
If you are completely new to DIY, upcycling can seem overwhelming. The first thing to start is grabbing a few tools:
- Scissors
- Sharpies
- Pencil
- Hot glue gun
- Sewing needles
- Painter’s tape
- Thread
- Newspaper
You may find that you need different tools based on what you are creating, but these are the absolute basics. Below you will find a few easy beginner projects that can be made with anything in your house.
Refinishing furniture
This is one of the easiest and most satisfying projects (in my opinion). You can truly take a piece of furniture and give it a whole new vibe. A few friends and I found a gorgeous chair in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and I refinished it in a stunning mahogany color and gave it a new cushion cover.
The coloring is the same pretty much, but I needed to fix up the scuffs. The cushion was very worn and I wanted to do something colorful and lively. This project probably cost $30 total with the finish, fabric, staples, and sandpaper. Redoing furniture is pretty easy, but it is time consuming since you need to wait for coats to dry. There are soooooo many colors to choose from also and you can even add glitter or rhinestones if you want to go ultra funky. Also note: this project should be done in a space with the right ventilation – ideally outside!
Tea cup candles
This is a project that has been on my list for a while! Candles are pretty easy to make and only require wax, scents, wicks, and containers. Thrift stores often have so many interesting glass bowls or cups so options are endless. You can easily make candles and then reuse the containers for something else. These also make great gifts! Check out this tutorial.
Cat scratcher
This one is for anyone with a TON of boxes. Corrugated cardboard is perfect for creating an upcycled cat scratcher. Cats love boxes, but they probably don’t even realize they love to scratch them too. Here is a great tutorial for creating a scratcher with only boxes and some of the tools listed above! If you don’t have a cat, these also make great donations to rescues and shelters. Just call them first and check if they will accept these!
Milk Carton Bird Feeder
This project is super easy for little hands and can keep kiddos entertained all afternoon! All you need is a milk (or juice) carton, scissors (kid-safe!), bird-safe paint, and some twine. Some municipalities can recycle cartons, but many can’t so this is a great way to give new life to trash. Check out this tutorial for upcycling a carton!
How I upcycle
At Jupiter Cowgirl Shop, I try to use reclaimed materials as often as possible. I source from my local Buy Nothing group, thrift stores, even Facebook Marketplace. Lately my biggest project has been my fishing lure bag charm collection. I love how I was able to upcycle fishing lures to become a fun fashion accessory.
How do you upcycle? Leave your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more news!
