“My Husband Hates It”: 85 Of The Most Impressive And Creative Examples Of Upcycling (New Pics)

It’s no secret that we need to start taking better care of the planet. It is our home, and the only one we’ve got, but human beings have been wreaking havoc on it for thousands of years. And unfortunately, our impact has exponentially increased during the last century. We pollute the oceans and the air, cause deforestation, ruin the habitats of other animals, and go through clean water like we have an unlimited supply.

While most of the damage we have done is irreparable, there are still steps we can take to minimize our footprints. And one of the most accessible ways to do so is by upcycling. We already have way too many items on the planet, so instead of heading to the store to buy something new, why not transform what you already have instead? 

According to Greenleaf, upcycling is giving an old product a new life, often turning it into something even more functional than it was originally. Some examples of commonly upcycled items include empty candle jars, spice jars, jam jars, clothing, wooden furniture, and glass bottles.

These items can be transformed into things that people might otherwise purchase from a store, such as pots for plants, storage containers, vases, and more. And while some of these objects might technically be recyclable, upcycling is often an even better option because it doesn’t require consumers to rely on manufacturers or companies. Upcycling takes matters into your own hands and guarantees that the object gets a new life, whereas the majority of “recycled” items still end up in landfills.     

Something that’s wonderful about upcycling is that it’s accessible to everyone. You might not have the skills required to sew a dress out of an old bedsheet or to turn an old wooden wardrobe into some chairs, but not every project needs to be so intense. 

You can use old plastic containers to create toys for your cat. You can turn old beads into jewelry. You can even make artwork out of old, burnt-out lightbulbs. All you really need is a vision. And if you’re lacking that, this list can certainly help you find it! 

Upcycling is wonderful because it reduces waste, creates one-of-a-kind creations, and teaches us the value of materials on this planet. The truth is that we don’t have an endless supply of resources out there, so we shouldn’t act as if we do. But you probably won’t want to anyway, because upcycling can also save you a significant amount of money. 

Nowadays, there are endless things to spend your money on. But if you start to get creative, you might just realize that there are actually very few things that you need to purchase brand new. And once you get into the habit of upcycling, it’ll feel wrong to purchase something that you could have made yourself. 

If you’d like to start incorporating upcycling into your own life but have no idea where to begin, The Plastic People have some tips. First, they note that it’s important to have the correct tools for the project that you have in mind. Of course, you shouldn’t feel the need to go out and purchase anything new, as that sort of defeats the purpose. 

But if you already have sandpaper, paintbrushes and paint, a handsaw, a hammer and nails, a tape measure, a Stanley knife, adhesive and glues, and foam/cushion stuffing for upholstery, there will be essentially no limit to what you can upcycle.    

Before beginning any upcycling project, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared. Have a game plan, and gather all of your materials first. And although you might be tempted to go above and beyond, keeping things simple is always wise. 

DIY projects often become more complicated and time-consuming than anticipated, so if you keep it simple from the get-go, it shouldn’t spiral out of hand. With that being said, don’t forget that patience is a virtue. Yes, this kind of undertaking will take a bit longer than running to the store and picking something up there, but the end result will be so much more rewarding.