Upcycling VS Recycling
Author: Mirza Taha Hassan
Upgrading and recycling. Many of us are confused between the two and some don't even realize they are two completely different words with different meanings.
In this informative article, we'll discuss the key differences between recycling and upgrading in order to clear all your confusion. Additionally, we'll list some basic upcycling and recycling practices and address some common questions about the topic.
Sounds like you'd be interested? continue reading!
Let's start
What is an upgrade?
Upcycling recycle scrap and create something new without changing its state. An object or item is used intact for another task. So an upgraded object has its own history, which covers both how it was in the past and how it is now!
What is recycling?
Recycling is about destroying waste with the main goal of creating something new from it. As a result, the condition of the product or material often changes, and the product does not tell the same story as before.
Upcycling example
• Hand painted some terracotta pots lying in the garden for home decor, an example of a very portable upcycling project. All you need is your drawing tools and some free time! Kind advice, do try painting a jar or two someday, if you're not an art lover you'll find this activity very therapeutic.
• Are there old candle jars somewhere in your room? Well, it's time to take them out, clean them up, and decorate them with ribbon or other creative materials. Once you've secured them to match the aesthetics of your room, you can easily place them on a bench or shelf and use them as storage containers.
Recycle instance
• Take previously purchased blank boxes, cut them open and shape them with glue to create new products such as children's playrooms, garden birdhouses, and more. You can also use flat cardboard for room decor by sticking aesthetic art prints on it and hanging it on the wall.
The above is a quick overview of upcycling and recycling projects, but before we move on, let's discuss another difference between the two in terms of convenience and practicality!
Recycling can be very practical and convenient, especially when organisations are responsible for recycling materials for people, but in general upcycling is more based on innovation. It requires great creativity and the application of skills and techniques to create the final material or product.
Now let's address some frequently asked questions about upgrading and recycling.
Q: Is upcycling better than recycling?
While nothing here is better than others, some should offer more upcycled recycling as it can turn scrap into something of value, whereas recycling tends to turn products into low-quality materials
Q: Are there similarities between upcycling and recycling?
The purpose of this article is mainly to give you an idea of the difference between upcycling and recycling, but yes, there are actually some similarities between the two as both processes work towards a common goal such as , improve sustainability and reduce waste.
We hope this article has proven to be an imaginative guide that helps you clearly understand the difference between upcycling and recycling.
Share some of your favorite upcycling and recycling tips and tricks with us!
Let's have an environmental conversation!
