Reduce, ReUSE, Recycle?

Everyone has heard the phrase Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, but have you heard of the latest way to reuse called upcycling? Upcycling is the process of repurposing materials that traditionally would not be recycled. TerraCycle, the first company behind upcycling, takes items such as food wrappers, cell phones & markers and upcycles them into new products each day. As I researched their website, I discovered all kinds of cool items that have been created out of repurposed materials; everything from pencils made out of newspapers to pencil cases made out of cookie wrappers. Not only do these products help protect the environment, they are easy to find at places like Target, Wal-mart and Home Depot.

Do you or your family already collect water bottles, cans and other items to take to local recycling centers? As you know, collect enough items and your financial compensation for bringing these items can turn into a pretty penny. You can also reap the same benefits with TerraCycle. They will offer cash for your collections of potato chip bags and juice boxes. So instead of tossing the contents of your lunch in the garbage after you have eaten think about saving some of your items to be upcycled.

Another company, Looptworks, also practices upcylcling, but with clothing. If you’re into fashion, you’ll love this site! They stop excess materials from being thrown out and use them to create 100% of their products. Shopping at Looptworks is a great way to not only help the environment, but to look good while doing it! Also by shopping online, you don’t have to waste gas or worry about bugging your parents to take you to the mall. Use inspiration from Looptworks to make your own items at home. We all have something in our closet that doesn’t fit anymore, so why not repurpose it? I have a purse made out of an old pair of jeans. I know along with old clothes, we also have a few earrings that don't have a mate or broken bracelets. Use embellishments from old jewelry or fabric to liven up an old look. Suddenly you’ll have something “new” to your wardrobe that no one else owns!

I also found some other great upcycling ideas online on sites like Eco Salon. With some of you in the process of applying for college, I know you are getting tons of mail with personal information. After you have shredded your materials, don’t dump them in the trash, instead save them for packing material when you ship things. You can tell your mom you’re saving her a special stash to use when she sends your college care packages. If you’re interested in learning more, run an internet search on upcycling and see what you find. It is important for your generation to step up in efforts to conserve the environment because pretty soon you will be the ones leading the way. Get started now and when it comes down to the Recycle, Reuse, Reduce phrase remember think outside the box, get creative and discover more ways to help the environment.

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team