What Is Upcycling? Learn About This Eco-Conscious and Ethical Trend.
Being an eco-conscious and ethical consumer has never been so accessible!
It is becoming more and more apparent to the general public just how detrimental the state of the climate and waste crisis is on our planet. While we can be super conscious of using our voices to advocate for change and educate people, at the end of the day our actions are what actually hold value.
I decided to start upcycling clothes back in 2010. This was an opportunity for me to be able to not only do my part with regards to being a sustainable and ethical consumer but also offer up a chance for everyday people to take action toward doing the same.
Upcycling is a concept that is categorized as reusing discarded objects or materials in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
All of us have dealt with this problem of accumulating a pile (or many piles) of old clothing or textiles that we are no longer using for whatever reason. The amount of clothes and textiles that go to waste each year is astounding. According to the BBC, an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste is created each year globally. This is equivalent to an entire garbage truck full of clothes dumping out onto landfill sites every single second.
Now, it’s really important to understand the full impact of this industry. Not only is this a massive amount of waste and space that is filling up our landfills. But on top of it all, textiles take hundreds of years to break down. With the lack of quality materials being used these days to make clothes, these textiles also end up releasing extremely toxic gasses into the air, polluting the environment even further. This is not to mention the social impact of these big clothing and textile industries that are getting away with extremely horrific labor standards: “employing” children and vulnerable populations to work for extremely low wages and under extremely dangerous conditions.
For environmental, ethical, and social reasons, I knew that I needed to do my part to be able to give people and myself a chance to be more conscious and ethical consumers. Through upcycling, we are helping the environment by using what is ALREADY out in the universe. Using existing clothing and textiles as fabrics to make something new, improved, and most often, way better quality.
I’ve frequently been told my pieces have lasted through several siblings, and even passed onwards to other families and friends because it's still in great condition and because the pieces are so unique and loved that my customers want to ensure they end up in grateful hands!
The idea of making clothing that is “one of a kind” has always resonated with me. As humans, we are all so unbelievably unique and special in our very own way, so creating these one-of-a-kind pieces is really my way of reflecting and celebrating the individuality of each of us.
I pride my creations on being comfortable, durable, and functional. But most importantly, my pieces are whimsical, fun, and fresh!
My clothing tells stories. Delightfully demonstrating the journey from which the fabric had originally come. For example, I’ve had grandparents come to me with a special blanket they got in Guatemala on a beloved trip as a child, or a sweater they wore themselves for a long time but couldn’t part with for its sentimental value.
Once a piece is upcycled into something new, you can really feel the integrity of the magical journey that a single piece has gone through. Transforming into something that is ready for new memories to be made, and more stories to add to their journey!
If you’re ready to take a journey with a special, upcycled creation, check out my shop. Get ready to fall in love with sustainable, fun, and fresh clothing that is just as unique, special, and filled with spirit as YOU are!