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“Upcycling”, buzzword or here to stay?

What is Upcycling? Why is everyone talking about it? Learn more about what it means to us and our favorite upcycling examples.

Upcycling is the act of taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life and new function. In doing so, the finished product often becomes more practical, valuable and beautiful than what it previously was. As recycling becomes a fundamental pillar of living in the modern world, upcycling becomes equally important, and a term that’s not going away any time soon.

Recycling and Upcycling are different. While recycling takes consumer materials, breaks them down, and remakes them into new material, upcycling doesn’t involve breaking down an item, but refashioning it. Upcycling is gaining popularity and we’re thankful. Consumer brands such as Bottletop Fashion, Will and Pop, Patagoina, and Suave are leading the consumer charge as the mission continues to gain global attention.

You don’t have to be a big brand or creative genius to upcycle. Upcycling can take place in your local ReStore mixed with the will to innovate and create.

Our Favorite Examples Of Upcycling

Coffee Table Face Lift

Now that you know the term, it’s time to put it into practice (no HGTV experience required).

Turning something ordinary into extraordinary doesn’t have to be intimidating. This table was found at a ReStore location and was sanded and stained, transformed into a beautiful, like-new, coffee table. The owners documented their first time DIY experience on our blog , where they took us through their step-by-step process. 

Fresh coat of paint = side table makeover

A DIY so simple, you’ll be wondering why you’ve ever bought new furniture.

This side table was purchased from a ReStore location and spruced up with a light color coat of paint for a fresh, modern look. The owner gushed about the shape of the table, explaining that it was a unique vintage find but needed a touch of the twenty-first century. 

Creativity points for this headboard DIY

Creativity points for this headboard DIY.

This headboard was crafted from an old window, purchased at a ReStore for $5. Read that again. That headboard was once a $5 window.

Revive Your Home. Revive The Planet.

We all play an important role in the longevity of our planet, start by taking action at home. Use what we already have .
↠ By buying existing materials, you’re saving our planet from making more of what we already have.
↠ By donating what you’re not using, you are saving the atmosphere by eliminating the fuel use and emissions needed to transport the items to market.
↠ Items you donate to the ReStore that aren’t able to be resold are deconstructed and recycled, eliminating the majority of their negative environmental footprint while still raising money for the ReStore.