Upcycling is the art of taking one object that’s no longer useful and turning it into something which can be useful again. It’s a good step to take for the environment but I also really like it as a concept as it encourages us to get creative, rather than reaching for the easy option. As a kid, I loved to do my own form of upcycling by turning the contents of our recycling bin into a vast craft collection of wildly varying quality. Nowadays, I tend to be more of a consumer of upcycling than a creator.
Over the last few years, I’ve acquired a messenger bag made of old aeroplane seat belts, a coaster made of old electrical components and earrings made of the stubs of coloured pencils. They’re all striking and quirky; of course, they’re all also things that take pride in their roots as upcycled objects. That aesthetic isn’t for everyone (and doesn’t always work). Equally as important are the fleeces I have that have been made from recycled plastic and the T-shirts made out of reclaimed fabric; these integrate being responsible as a consumer into the joy of having something shiny and new.
I think that last really sums up my feelings about the potential for upcycling. As wonderful as it is to walk around with pencils dangling from my ears or see chandeliers made from old bottles, I think looking even further beyond what things used to be to what they could be is the way forward.