If you’re moving house soon you’ll often have to deal with a lot of items around the home that need to be thrown away or given to someone else. If this is the case, why not try repurposing it after settling into your new abode?
Giving something a fresh start is incredibly rewarding, eco friendly and budget conscious. As the cost of living rises this trend has been gaining momentum and reflects a growing preference for unique custom made items over mass produced goods destined for landfill. Read on to learn more about upcycling, it’s benefits and how to get started. There are also some tips for turning it into a potential income source which may help pay the rent or mortgage.
What is Upcycling?
Upcycling involves taking something old and modifying it to give it a new life. It’s the act of taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life, often resulting in something that is more practical, valuable and beautiful than before.
What’s the Difference Between Upcycling and Recycling?
Recycling involves breaking down items into raw materials such as paper, glass, metal and plastic to create new items. Upcycling on the other hand creatively repurposes the original materials, thus extending their life and utility without the need for breakdown.
The Benefits of Upcycling
- Environmental Impact: As sustainability becomes increasingly important, upcycling helps combat consumerism by prolonging the life of objects and reducing waste, ultimately lowering carbon emissions and other pollutants from manufacturing new products.
- Feel-Good Factor: Upcycling not only helps the environment but also sparks creativity and provides a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you’ll learn new DIY skills and enjoy unique creations.
- Cost Savings: Although fast fashion and low-priced homeware might seem budget-friendly, these expenses can add up. Upcycling is a great way to cut costs while still refreshing your belongings.
How Do You Get Started?
- Revamp Furniture: Simple updates like painting, sanding, and varnishing can breathe new life into old furniture. For a more adventurous project, try replacing cupboard doors with trendy cane webbing, or reupholstering an old couch.
- Transform Clothing: With the average Australian buying around 56 new clothing items yearly, upcycling your wardrobe is a great way to combat fast fashion. Refresh garments by changing buttons, tie-dyeing, converting jeans into cut-offs, or adding no-sew shoulder pads.
- Repurpose Books: Don’t discard old books just yet. They can be transformed into decorative items like bunting, reading nook lamps, secret storage boxes, or even clocks.
- Creative Kids’ Crafts: Upcycling isn’t just for adults. Encourage kids to use ‘waste’ items for crafts, such as turning tin cans into pencil holders, egg cartons into paint palettes, or toilet paper rolls into inventive projects.
- Unique Planters: Instead of buying new plant pots, try creating upcycled planters from corks, vintage tea cups, or plastic bottles for a fun and sustainable twist.
Where to Find Upcycling Materials
The thrill of discovering the perfect item is part of the fun! Start by looking around your own home, but if you need more options, explore online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay, or check out local charity shops, second-hand markets, and garage sales.
Turning Upcycling into Income
As you gain skill and confidence, you might find yourself turning upcycling into a profitable side venture. Many people buy and refurbish furniture to sell and platforms like Etsy are brimming with upcycled items.
Embrace upcycling to feel proud of your efforts, save money, and make a positive environmental impact. If you’re not feeling inspired consider donating your items to charity organisations like the Red Cross or Vinnies where others can take on the challenge!
Disclaimer: The opinions posted within this blog are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, others employed by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or the organisations with which the network is affiliated. The author takes full responsibility for his opinions and does not hold Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or any third party responsible for anything in the posted content. The author freely admits that his views may not be the same as those of his colleagues, or third parties associated with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate network.