As well as recycling, why not try ‘upcycling’ old things, too?
WHEN people think of recycling, they often think of age-old advice to dispose of plastic, cardboards and tins in one’s blue bin.
But did you know that there are a myriad of methods for creative recycling, as well?
Indeed, not all waste has to be thrown away, and the practice of ‘upcycling’ is becoming all the more popular.
Upcycling is much the same as recycling, and is defined as: ‘The act of taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life and new function.’
Not only can upcycling help the environment, it can also prove useful during the current cost of living crisis, while also proving a fun activity for the family.
The potential of upcycling was brought into full focus during the pandemic, and taught lessons in sustainability that we could all benefit from revisiting.
For example, instead of taking those old wooden chairs to the dump, why not have a think about repurposing them?
A lick of paint and some repairs can go a long way, and could even provide quirky garden furniture for the imminent summer months.
The same goes for scrap wood that may be kicking around. During the Covid-19 pandemic, people had great success in creating garden bars and makeshift patios to enjoy the long summer months.
Those feeling especially crafty could even use scrap wood to create garden planters, which can in turn be used to grow flowers, vegetables and more!
And pandemic-inspired creations also saw the rise of firepits, where people upcycled the insides of old washing machines. A true piece of pandemic ingenuity if there ever was one!
These creations – which require only a few tools and some creativity – are not only easy on the environment, but are also easy on the wallet, too.
So the next time you are planning to throw something out, whether it be scrap wood, tin or old furniture, have a think about how it could first be upcycled.
Of course, not all material can be repurposed into something more useful. In this instance, it’s important to ensure that it is recycled sustainably.
Locally, a number of resources can help.
Recycling centres offered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council dispose of all kinds of waste free of charge.
However, other avenues exist that could see you financially benefitting from recycling.
If you have a large quality of scrap metal, for instance, the likes of George Gallagher Scrap Metal Ltd, or FM Metals, will pay you.
Likewise, if you have bags of old clothes that are no longer being worn, Cash4clothes Enniskillen offers cold, hard cash. These are just some companies you can find locally, with others also to hand.
So, the next time you are going to throw something out, first consider if it could be upcycled, and if not, think about how it could be best recycled – both for the environment, and your wallet!