Upcycling: meaning, definitions and examples
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upcycling
[ ˈʌpsaɪklɪŋ ]
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| upcycling |
Use when talking about transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value.
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| creative recycling |
Use when referring to the imaginative reuse of materials, often in an artistic or decorative manner.
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| reusing |
Use when mentioning the practice of using an item more than once, either for the same function or for a different purpose, without much modification.
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| repurposing |
Use when describing the act of using something for a different purpose than it was originally intended.
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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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| upcycling |
This term is used when creating new items of higher quality or value from old or discarded materials. It emphasizes environmental sustainability and creativity.
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| repurpose |
This term is used when an item is adapted for a different use or purpose than originally intended. It often involves a practical or functional aspect.
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| revamp |
This word implies updating, renovating, or changing something to improve its appearance, performance, or function. It can be used in a variety of contexts, not limited to physical objects.
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| refashion |
This word is applied when altering or redesigning clothing and textiles to give them a new look or function, often in a stylish or fashionable way.
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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.