Upcycle Before You Recycle

Upcycling Before Recycling

In a world where everyone is trying to make a difference, we find ourselves at times confused by terms and whether or not companies are truly doing their bit for the environment, are they simply branding themselves in a way to make a quick buck, gain popularity within the world of people looking to support brands that are making a conscientious effort to minimise carbon footprint? Now, the first thing we need to know is to differentiate upcycling and recycling.

Upcycling
What upcycling does is that it can have a profound impact on the environment that recycling doesn’t have. The effects of upcycling can be inspiring and the term is relatively new. It is the action of taking waste/unwanted products and transforming them into something new from its current state and better than it was before. This process of reinvention make the end product somewhat unique.

When consumers upcycle products such as boxes, cloth or other materials, it reduces the need to produce new products. And production is a large contributor to the world’s draining of our natural resources. In upcycling, unwanted materials given an extension in lifespan before it lands up in a landfill.

For example when we acquired unused material from a local theatre company that was used as a part of their set design, it was transformed into our oversize reversible, unisex top!

You can upcycle with us at YNG by simply contacting us to donate your materials or commission us to create something new from an old material you have and love.

Recycling
Recycling takes a much lesser effort if there is a recycling servicing bin near you. It also uses much more energy and not all plastics can be recycled.

What is the process of recycling?
Recycling is taking old materials, break them down and turning them into totally new materials so that can make new products. What you may or may not know is, the impact on the environment of recycling is more as compared to upcycling as it requires a considerable amount of energy.

All in all, both recycling and upcycling reduces the amount of junk that goes to our landfill. As you do you and choose between the two, it is important to be comfortable with what you are doing and do it right. Before you sent materials to upcycling or recycling, make sure they are clean before you place them in your recycling bin or donate them.