Upcycling Ideas for a Juan Earth Hero

Recycling has been a term already instilled in our mind since we were kids. Thought in schools through the Science subject and showed through different projects, recycling became a by word we know as we grow up. At home, most parents teaches their kids on the proper segregation of waste materials, separating  the recyclable and non-recyclable. Then eventually, waste segregation was divided into dry and wet waste. Dry includes paper, wood and other related products like metals and glass. Wet waste on the other hand refers to organic waste, usually food waste.

Trying out some crafting projects

In the Philippines, you’ll usually find three to four bins (specially inside malls or different well known establishments). One have the option to either put the waste inside the decomposable bin, or compostable bin or residual waste. Some waste bins have a definite sign particularly for Paper, Plastic and Cans, which is definitely perfect for recycling.

Recycling are usually done in factories, big or small, and mostly done by professional. By definition, Recycling is the process of converting waste materials by breaking it down into new materials and objects. Made me think, honestly, I’ve been using the word wrongly for a very long time. Then I learned about two other words that are both rooted from the latter, Upcycling and Downcycling.

Upcycling and Downcycling

Creating Plushies using discarded materials

By definition, Upcycling is the process of re-using (discarded objects or materials) in such a way as to create a product of a higher quality or value than the original, while, Downcycling involves breaking an item down into its component elements or materials and using it for other purpose. Best example for downcycling would be, toy cars, fans, TV set, mostly electronic.

I realise, Upcycling is what we do usually at homes, specially those who loves doing Do-it-yourself (DIY), converting old or worn out products to create a more usable items. Doing upcylcling at home does not just save you money but would also help the environment.

Personal Story

Fashionable way of helping the environment by using tote bag instead of bringing plastic bags. 

I’m a big fan of DIY and upcycling. Aside for the love of watching people re-creating stuff in to a new one, it also amazes me how an old item turn into something more fabulous. Growing up, I learn this habit of putting aside old stuff for the reason that I might be able to use it again sometime. I’ve been thinking of doing DIY or upcycling for the longest time, but sadly, I wouldn’t able to find some time. Aside from that, my lack of patience, right knowledge and ideas hinder me as well.  Sad to say, at the end, those items i’ve been keeping eventually goes back as trash.

To take baby steps to become a Juan Earth eco-warrior (as they say), I collected some ideas online and created a board as well of different upcycling projects that I (and you as well) could probably do. Most are easy projects that only need a few materials and steps to follow.

Check out some of the images below.

Take Juan step to make an advocacy

Philippines is not just rich in natural resources but with eco-warriors too. Non-government organizations are doing their Pinoy duties towards environment and animal protection. Some of these NGOs initiate projects such as seedling adoption for reforestation, pawikan and giant clam adoption to retrieve these species, and cats and dogs adoption to save these abused home pets.

Good news is, volunteering to these environmental efforts is just one step at Juan Earth on September 29, 2018 at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, 9^th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Juan Earth is a grassroots effort produced by Write On Track and its dedicated team of community volunteers wanting to educate and empower people to create a healthier and more sustainable world.

Ready to take that Juan step? Visit Juan Earth’s website at http://www.juanearth.com; LIKE its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JuanEarthPH; or check their updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/juanearthph.