National Upcycling Day
Dig out those unused clothes, accessories, even furniture and “upcycle” them into something new with a bit of creativity and tender loving care.
Upcycling is a growing trend that’s still under the radar for some. Simply, it’s all about taking old objects and furniture, and adding your own creativity and craft to make it something new, unique and beautiful.
National Upcycling Day is all about celebrating the art of upcycling.
However, with that art also comes the focus on sustainable use of household goods, recycling items instead of being wasteful, and the many different ways we can reuse things that we might think are completely useless at first glance.
How to Celebrate National Upcycling Day
If you want to celebrate National Upcycling Day, then getting your hands dirty and actually upcycling something is the easiest way.
There are tons of websites and guides that can introduce you to upcycling and show you how to make new furniture, accessories, and even a few handy tools out of things you might otherwise throw away.
Besides doing it yourself, you can join the upcycling workshops that can be found all over when the day arrives. Here, you’ll be taught how to create specific projects or be given the tools and help to upcycle furniture and items that you bring yourself.
It’s the perfect day to raise awareness of the issue that upcycling was designed to combat: the growing waste problem our modern society is continuously contributing to.
Teaching your kids about the effects of being wasteful and our impact on the community can be a good motivation to jumpstart their own love of upcycling. Sharing your upcycling stories on social media can raise awareness on a much bigger platform, too.
Artists and creatives get really involved on National Upcycling Day, so you might them selling funky and unique furniture and goods. Buying some not only supports the cause but helps foster the creative community near you, as well.
History of National Upcycling Day
Though the term has been around since the 90s, upcycling first rose to prominence when it started trending in 2002. Even before then, people have been finding new uses for old things since time immemorial.
Since our first ancestors roamed on two feet, it’s been natural to reuse our possessions and find new ways to benefit from them. It’s only since modern society dawned that we started chucking a lot more away.
The book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things, released in 2002 by architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart, brought upcycling into the modern vernacular. Not only did it have all kinds of tips on upcycling, the book itself was upcycled from plastic and soy, which was used to form the ink.
Since then, upcycling has caught the world’s imagination. Both those dedicated to finding sustainable ways of living to save the planet and the more artistically inclined have been coming together to find all new ways to use the old things cluttering our lives and filling our waste dumps.
National Upcycling Day naturally arose as a way to bring attention to the craze and to encourage everyone and anyone to get involved in throwing less away and upcycling more.
National Upcycling Day FAQs
What’s the strangest object ever upcycled?
Artists in the Netherlands turned a defunct Boeing 747 into a functional conference room.
It’s an inspiring example of large-scale upcycling. Such creative projects show that nearly anything, regardless of size, can find a second life.
Did pirates ever upcycle?
Yes! Pirates often repurposed damaged ships or captured vessels into hybrid ships.
They used salvaged materials for repairs and even converted cannons or sails for their needs. This practical approach ensured their survival at sea.
Are there traditional upcycling practices in Japan?
Japanese culture has long embraced upcycling through practices like kintsugi. This art repairs broken ceramics with gold, celebrating the object’s flaws and history. It’s a striking contrast to today’s throwaway culture.
What role did upcycling play during the Great Depression?
In the 1930s, families transformed feed sacks into dresses, curtains, and other essentials.
Companies even printed decorative patterns on sacks to encourage this reuse. It was both a necessity and a creative outlet during tough times.
How do festivals celebrate upcycling?
Some music festivals, like Glastonbury, use upcycled materials to create unique art installations.
They also repurpose old items into seating and stage decor. These efforts reduce waste and inspire attendees to think creatively about reuse.
Are there animals that ‘upcycle’?
Yes, some birds, like bowerbirds, use discarded items to decorate their nests. They’re known for picking shiny objects, such as bottle caps, to attract mates. Nature often sets an example for ingenious reuse.
How do astronauts practice upcycling in space?
NASA upcycles by repurposing used items aboard the ISS. For example, old food packaging is converted into construction materials. Upcycling in space saves resources and minimizes waste.
What’s the smallest upcycled item ever made?
Scientists have created nanotechnology from recycled electronic waste. They’ve used gold from old circuit boards to make tiny, precise medical tools. It’s a groundbreaking intersection of sustainability and science.
Can upcycling improve mental health?
Engaging in upcycling projects can boost creativity and reduce stress. Making something new from old items offers a sense of accomplishment.
It also fosters mindfulness, as the process often requires focus and patience.
What’s the wildest future idea for upcycling?
Some designers propose turning ocean plastic into 3D-printed underwater cities.
These would serve as homes for marine life while addressing the plastic crisis. It’s a bold vision blending technology, sustainability, and design.
See what else is happening…
There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!
Also on ...
View all holidays
International Fairy Day
Join a festival or celebration that honors the mythical fairie, or settle in to read or watch a fairie tale featuring these remarkable, captivating creatures.
Swim a Lap Day
Swimming is great for your physical health, giving you cardio and strength training in one. Take a Lap around the pool to boost your both your health and mood.
