Upcycling: meaning, definitions and examples

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upcycling

 

[ ˈʌpsaɪklɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

environmental sustainability

Upcycling is the process of transforming unwanted or waste materials into new products of better quality or for better environmental value. It is a creative way to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Synonyms

creative recycling, repurposing, reusing

Examples of usage

  • Upcycling old clothes to create new fashion items.
  • Using old jars as candle holders is a form of upcycling.
  • Upcycling furniture instead of throwing it away can save resources.
  • Upcycling plastic bottles into planters for a garden.
  • Upcycling materials like wood or metal for DIY projects.
Context #2 | Verb

environmental actions

To upcycle means to reuse discarded objects or materials in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. It involves creativity and innovation to give new life to old items.

Synonyms

refashion, repurpose, revamp

Examples of usage

  • She upcycles old books into unique home decor pieces.
  • He upcycles bicycle parts to make artistic sculptures.
  • They upcycle glass bottles into beautiful handmade vases.
  • I enjoy upcycling old furniture to give it a fresh look.
  • The company upcycles electronic waste to create new products.

Translations

Translations of the word "upcycling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 upcycling

🇮🇳 अपसाइक्लिंग

🇩🇪 Upcycling

🇮🇩 upcycling

🇺🇦 апсайклінг

🇵🇱 upcycling

🇯🇵 アップサイクリング

🇫🇷 upcycling

🇪🇸 upcycling

🇹🇷 upcycling

🇰🇷 업사이클링

🇸🇦 إعادة التدوير الإبداعي

🇨🇿 upcycling

🇸🇰 upcycling

🇨🇳 升级改造

🇸🇮 upcycling

🇮🇸 upcycling

🇰🇿 апсайклинг

🇬🇪 აფსაიკლინგი

🇦🇿 upcycling

🇲🇽 upcycling

Etymology

The concept of upcycling emerged as a response to the increasing concern over environmental issues and waste management. It gained popularity in the early 21st century as a sustainable and creative approach to reusing materials. The term 'upcycling' was coined to differentiate it from traditional recycling by emphasizing the process of adding value and quality to the discarded items. Upcycling promotes resourcefulness, innovation, and a conscious effort to reduce the impact of consumerism on the environment.