Upcycling is way to reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of a higher quality or value than the original. Benefits of upcycling include reducing your carbon footprint, since recycling takes resources to collect. For example, driving a truck or car to collect the recycling bins would increase the carbon dioxide emissions, endangering our environment and affecting the climate. Another benefit would be that it saves money, and the main thing you need to upcycle is you! You'll find it better to be able to fashion something for yourself, as opposed to throwing it away or recycling it. Don't worry, upcycling is easy to learn. Simply search "upcycling" and you'll find what your looking for.
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/upcycling_ … generation
The link above is a great academic source for upcyling!

Another great thing about upcycling is that it isn’t a modern concept. As early as the 1930s-40s people repurposed their household items until they had no further use. Some of the upcycling fashion even included feed sacks as dresses. Not enough people are aware of what upcycling is, and the significant benefits it has to reducing carbon emissions.
Source: http://hipcycle.com/what-is-upcycling

Wow! Upcycling sounds really cool! Actually, I think I've done it without knowing what upcycling was. I just thought I was doing a really cool craft. On social media such as Instagram and Pinterest, there are so many amazing ideas. I always stumble across them and wish I could upcycle everything!
I decided to research more about upcycling and found an article. You don't just have to upcycle for yourself; you can upcycle things and sell them to other people! It's a really great idea. Not only are you promoting reusing and recycling, but you can also get money from it.
I also thought about it, and these cute ideas could be GREAT as an inexpensive, but thoughtful present to people close to you.
What are more of your ideas on upcycling? Do you think upcycling and selling is a good idea? How have you upcycled in the past? I would love to see some pics!
Article: http://www.business2community.com/susta … SAapSI0.97

I had never heard the word "upcycling" before, so this post has introduced me to something completely new. Recycling has been my staple way of helping preserve the environment, but not I know I can do even more. As replies before me have stated, the internet is inundated with inspiring ideas on how to upcycle. Some of the projects I'm most impressed by are for home decor. I found this article ( http://www.upcyclethat.com/upcycled-chopsticks/6637/ ) about a UBC Forestry student named Felix Bock who used disposable chopsticks to make innovative home decor products. I think people might misconstrue "made from reused materials" with "looks tacky & cheap," but Felix's work demonstrates that upcycled chopsticks can look aesthetically pleasing and expensive.
[Chopvalue-550x546](//muut.com/u/footprint/s1/:footprint:sHWG:chopvalue550x546.jpg.jpg)

I also did some research on upcycling classes and was only able to find workshops held in the UK (http://www.theoldschoolclub.co.uk/cours … pcycling/, http://www.craftcourses.com/categories/ … /upcycling ). We should definitely have some workshops in the United St ates. Furthermore, not enough people are conscious of upcycling and how fun and creative it can be. In school we learn to sort our waste into the recycle and compost bins, but we are not actively taught to upcycle, which I think is a shortcoming.