Upcycle, Recycle, What's the Difference?

Upcycling is taking waste and using it in its current state to create something totally new. Recycle is deconstructing the waste in order to create something new.

According to The Waste Management and Recycling Blog, upcycling allows you to recognize what the object was initially, although it has been altered, or upcycled. This is the fun aspect of how I like to create. My latest project incorporated my new indigo fiber dyeing adventure with making good use of clothing that has been thrifted. I used a large pair of men's denim jeans for the outer layer and a designer men's dress shirt for the lining. I live near several thrift stores that have a huge array of fabrics that I take full advantage. I also use PFD cotton or linen. PFD = Prepared For Dye, no chemical enhancers.

The benefit of upcycling is that every little bit of conservation of cloth helps the environment. I recently read the book Unraveled, by Maxine Bedat. She takes the reader on a journey to understand the development of blue denim jeans. She begins in the cotton fields in Texas and eventually overseas to manufacturing plants in regions of China, Bangladesh, India and more. Bedat explains the demands of fast fashion, skinny jeans and designer looks pollute the air and waters of the region in which they are created. Our fashion desires eventually create thrift stores in our neighborhoods that are bursting at the seams with throw away clothing. They eventually get crushed and sent to Africa for disposal, as the thrift stores are unable to sell everything given to them. With the fabrics being treated with chemicals during their manufacturing, the pollutants are shed throughout the life of the garment and into the land and waters throughout their life journey and in their final resting place.

I choose only cotton, silk or wool fibers for upcycling. Polyester continues to shed micro plastics with every wash. I avoid it when I can. Bedat reports that only 20% of the oceanic plastics are visible. The remainder is micro plastic sediment. We may be eating this micro plastic sediment when we eat fish. Oui!

I'm only one person, but being aware of the materials I use to lessen the chemical burden on our beautiful planet seems reasonable. We all do our share, right?

My recent creations are a reflection of what I have believed most of my life. The earth is worth saving. It is only now that I have been educated on the details of fabric manufacturing and the dangers that are being created for countries that are selling safety for boosting their much needed economy base. All to satisfy our hunger for "Fast Fashion".

Below is a sequence of images telling a story of the upcycling process. I made four bags from the upcycled fabric initially. Two are for sale on our site. Please forgive my sweaty selfie, I just returned from the gym.

Peace,

Janice