5 Benefits of Up-cycling your Clothes
If you look at the Oxford dictionary this is what you see as a definition for
upcycle
/ˈʌpsʌɪk(ə)l/
verb
present participle: upcycling
reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
"the opportunity to upcycle trash, or turn it into new products, was vast"
but then you might ask what is the difference between recycling and up cycling. Again looking at the definition again you’ll find that
The difference between recycling and upcycling is that recycling has to go through a facility to break it down in order to reuse it in the manufacturing process. Upcycling is where you take the product and reuse it around your home to create something of use for you.
As far as I can remember I have always been one to try and create something new with something old. From buying second furniture and restoring them or using part of them in my house or my clients houses, to cut in my clothes to create anything from fabric planters to ‘Furoshiki”, ( name for Japanese fabric wrapping) but also alter a change existing clothes to something I can wear again differently.
So today I would like to share with you the 5 benefits that I find in upcycling.
1/ It is fun.
Just to sit down on a quiet afternoon, and to look at the pieces you have discarded from your wardrobe, to have a little think, to take your scissors and needles out and to start playing!
Worst case scenario, If you don’t wear it in the end , it can be used as a cleaning rag to use around the house.
2/ It minimises the amount of discarded materials sent to landfills.
So basically you are helping make the planet a better place to be for yourself and the next generations.
3/ When you make something that you can wear again, you buy less and you reduce the need for production that uses new or raw materials.
4/ It helps support small local businesses like seamstresses and tailors or local fabric shops. You can have the idea in your head and have it altered locally.
5/ It saves you money, and you get the satisfaction of having done something good.
If you follow me on social media , you might have spotted my little videos where I give you ideas of upcycling and how to do it.
If you haven’t seen them, here are a few :
Hope you find this article useful and inspiring.
I am always available to discuss
upcycling projects and ideas with you.
Just click here to get in touch with me.
Alternatively If you need help with reorganising of your wardrobe, check my services.
Until next time, have fun upcycling!xx