Upcycling, not to be confused with recycling, is the process of repurposing and redesigning existing materials. There are several social and economic benefits to upcycling
“Nature abhors waste,” and so should we.
It’s unwise to waste resources, and it’s also unwise to waste capacity. “Every system should be as efficient as possible.”
So, in case you are wondering what these words refer to, well, they speak about upcycling.
Upcycling in the dictionary and fashion simply refers to re-designing and repurposing discarded or used clothing into newer, wearable items. This is a newer take on the previous, with an update in vitality, and it also incorporates the element of sustainability. Upcycling has benefits not only for the environment but for the entire planet as a whole.
Increasing its viability and shelf life vis-à-vis it being worn only a few times, upcycling is the answer to not only providing a long-term solution to the social but also other impacts of using “fast fashion,” which is not only harmful to the planet but also not a conducive alternative in the long run.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF UPCYCLING
While upcycling is definitely the most logical solution to be adopted in order to adopt a conservative, sustainable approach, there are several benefits attached to it. As we bifurcate these for you today, let us begin by understanding the social and economic benefits of upcycling:
Conservation: First and foremost, upcycling is the primary step towards conserving the natural resources present in our environment. Our habitat and resources are endangered and face extinction as a result of a technologically based approach to life and world-building. Methods like upcycling can help us preserve what we have of Mother Nature.
- Yes, by assisting in the preservation of Mother Nature, we can take an important step toward also protecting the ecosystem in which we live and safeguarding wildlife. So, say, for instance, adopting 100% vegan material instead of leather for making bags.
- Reduction of carbon emissions: Recycling or reusing previously made materials instead of going on to manufacture more and more synthetic is essential since it will also put a pause on excessive manufacturing and thereby reduce the carbon emissions from such synthetic manufacturing units, thereby helping to protect the environment.
- Optimal solution: Technically speaking, if we were to calculate the cost of waste collection and disposal of such one-time used manufactured synthetic material vis-à-vis upcycling, waste collection and disposal is actually much more expensive.
- Employment creation: A complete, new branch of industry, upcycling has enough work opportunities and potential to provide employment to a mass of people, thereby also tackling the unemployment issue.
Along with social benefits, there are several economic benefits to upcycling too.
- Support to rural industry: It provides support to small local businesses owing to the approach of refurbishment and making goods from reclaimed stuff.
- Reduction in costs: Owing to using a previously made material, the cost of re-doing or remaking it substantially reduces, thereby reducing the total cost.
- A shoutout to local artisans and their workmanship: Yes, the workers involved in revamping and refurbishing these pieces are those skilled ones who have been looking out for these opportunities, for a place to shine for a long now.
- Increasing financial stability (becoming self-reliant): As a nation, this is surely a major indicator of growth and GDP. A country which is self-sufficient and self-reliant, making the best possible use even of what are the remnants is the one which can be truly considered sustainable and accommodating. ” Best from the rest”.
So, these were the social and economic benefits of upcycling. A huge step towards conserving natural resources, safeguarding our natural habitat, and ensuring the optimal utilisation of existing resources, upcycling is the only way possible in which we can ensure sustainability as well as growth.