Written by Berke Ugur, Four Green Steps

The process of an item undergoing a “green” evolution to fulfill another need/purpose is called upcycling. It’s fun, it’s hip and it’s environmentally responsible- it is the best way to drum up new excitement to old items, creating endless possibilities.

Upcycling vs. Recycling

The upcycling process adds an additional value to an item that has been previously deemed no longer useful. No pollution is generated during upcycling- the production stage could involve using additional materials or energy, but most of the time, as creativity kicks in, it is on a DIY level- and little to no alternation is made to the composition of the old item.

Recycling on the other hand, takes the product, breaks it down to make a new product, a process that most of the item involves a more complicated production stage thus pollution and cost occurs.

Looking for upcycling ideas? Check out our Pinterest page for green decorating and craft ideas.

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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