Why Upcycling Matters

Upcycling: Why it Matters and Where to Start

We’ve all heard the phrase reduce, reuse and recycle. It’s time to introduce a new term into that phrase, and it’s one you’ve probably heard before. Say hello to upcycling— the process of transforming waste or unwanted items into something new! Believe it or not, upcycling is relevant now more than ever. With schools, offices, and businesses closed due to the global epidemic, there is a higher need to protect, entertain, and connect. Check out these helpful tips below to start upcycling your items and transform them into new treasures, whether it’s for necessity or to keep you sane during this stressful time!

Make medical face masks

Since the new coronavirus is an airborne illness, medical masks have been a necessity for healthcare professionals and other frontline workers. They have also become a hot commodity to the public who have been wearing them to help slow down the spread of the disease as they shop for food and supplies or even when going for a stroll around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, there is now a shortage in medical masks for frontline workers who need them to help defend themselves from the pathogen as they treat patients. Medical professionals are now left with limited protective equipment to use and are resorting to homemade cloth masks. 

So how does upcycling play into this? Many hospitals are asking for homemade medical mask donations. While these may not be as effective as the N95 masks used by nurses and doctors to treat patients, they can be used as an alternative by hospitals that are running low on supplies. You can even use these masks at home if someone has the flu or on your grocery runs. Using items you have laying around your house like old denim, bed sheets, and heavyweight shirts, you can easily make a medical face mask in as little as five minutes! Not only will you be making use of items that may be collecting dust in your home, you’ll feel good knowing that you’re giving back to your local community.

Use a closet cleanout service

Many businesses are temporarily closing and the demand for supplies is increasing. You may find that money may be tight in your household at the moment. While it may not seem like the most traditional option, you can sell your unwanted clothing to a closet cleanout service to earn some extra cash. Think of this extra time at home as an opportunity to clean out your closets and finally let go of the pieces in your wardrobe that you no longer wear or may have outgrown. By utilizing a closet cleanout service you can earn a cash payment for your old clothing or even choose to donate $5 to a charity of your choice in lieu of payment. Whether you want to earn cash or just give back, cleaning out your closet gives someone else the opportunity to give new life to your clothing and style your pieces in ways that you would’ve never thought to.

Upgrade your leftovers

With social distancing and self-quarantining in full effect, fewer trips are being made to the grocery store. While you may have tossed out your leftovers in the past, now is the time to take advantage of your extra food and turn it into something else. For example, if you make tacos for dinner one night, turn them into quesadillas the next night. There are a ton of different ways to turn your leftover food into new meals. Not only will this ensure you’re making the most out of your groceries, it’ll also help keep your grocery trips to a minimum.

Turn household items into crafts

Now that we’re spending more time at home, you may not know how to spend your time. There are only so many books you can read and shows to watch before boredom starts to set in. If you have kids at home, it may also be difficult to keep them entertained throughout the day as well. A fun activity that everyone in your household can participate in is crafting. The best part is you don’t have to leave your house to get supplies! You can easily transform your household items into crafts in so many different ways. Whether you’re an adult or trying to entertain your children, the possibilities are endless!

Angie Spann, Project Coordinator