Upcycling is becoming an increasingly popular way of taking an item that you would otherwise throw out and finding a way to make it into something else or changing it’s appearance to suit your home. A couple of years ago it was second nature for us to just discard items we no longer wanted in our homes by having a garage sale, giving them away to friends or donating them to a thrift store or charity. Now as part of the environmental movement there is a new movement of people taking cast off items repurposing them and selling them. A whole new form of retailing is emerging both on line and through the opening of retail shops that have jointed the market selling upcycled items. This movement is inspiring many of us to rethink what we do with our old clothing and household items and also offers us an alternative to buying something brand new.
So the next time you are going out shopping think twice about going to the mall and try searching for shops that are offering upcycled or even recycled clothing or home furnishings. Think of it a way to help both our environment and your local economy and some new business entrepreneur.
Another way to have some fun and also help the environment is to do what I call travel upcycling. The next time you take a weekend trip or vacation take along only your personal items, accessories, shoes, socks, underwear and sleepwear. When you reach your destination grab a yellow pages and than head for the local thrift stores where you can buy from these local recyclers all the clothes you need for your stay. By wearing these clothes you are upcycling them while away and than you can re-donate them when you get home. I would not be surprised to find that you decided to keep some of your newly acquired wardrobe as part of what I call Upcycled Chic!
