We all know the value of recycling but did you know that upcycling can be even more beneficial to our planet? But what is upcycling?
Rather than first having to destroy an item of waste in order to recycle it, upcycling simply means to change or improve the item of waste in order to give it a new lease of life. And this can be anything from turning an empty ice cream tub into storage box, to turning an old caravan into a mobile cafe!
How does upcycling help combat climate change?
- It prevents waste from going to landfill, thus protecting the environment
- It reduces the needs for raw materials, which helps protect valuable natural resources, landscapes and habitats
- It uses less energy than producing items from scratch or recycling
- It reduces cost of production
- It helps to support local industries and promotes the use of traditional skills
- It encourages creativity and innovation, offering the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind items.
How can I get involved?
If you don’t have the time to upcycle yourself, there are many ways you can get involved by supporting those who do.
North West Computer Museum
The North West Computer Museum based in Spinners Mill, Leigh accept donations of old or broken computers, laptops and games which they repair and share as part of their exhibits, whilst teaching new skills to a wide range of individual such as ex-armed forces personnel, older people and parents with young children.
They also support those currently in unemployment by offering training on reconditioning old computers, so they can be passed on to community-based projects such as schools. If you have items to donate, they are currently being accepted at Chanter’s and Slag Lane Recycling Centres.
The Brick
The Brick is a Wigan based charity, offering advice and support to anyone who finds themselves homeless and their services rely on the generous donation of unwanted items from the public, which they sell in their shops. They also look to upcycle items where they can, although their range of upcycling workshops have been on hold due to the pandemic (these also offer training opportunities for those in unemployment).
However, they have continued to repair and upcycle bicycles throughout the pandemic, which have been passed on to those who needed them most in the community, including frontline workers. Bicycles are currently accepted at all three of the borough’s recycling centres, which will be passed on to the Brick, or you can take them directly to the Brick at one of their three shops on Hodson Street, Wigan (Brickworks), Gidlow Lane, Wigan and Leigh Road, Leigh.
Create a piece of upcycled art
If you're feeling creative, why not take a leaf out of the Atherton and Tyldesley Youth Voice’s book? This active youth group decided to create a piece of upcycled art with the aim of raising awareness of environmental issues. Using items collected at the borough’s recycling centres, they created their unique take on 'A Teddy Bear’s Picnic', highlighting the amount of litter in the environment and how it affects wildlife.
They showcased their artwork in Leigh Library over the summer and received some really positive feedback. If you're an individual or a group looking for items to upcycle yourself, please contact Wigan Council who may be able to help source these from our Recycling Centres.
Think before you throw
So, if you’re thinking of getting rid of your old stuff, think about upcycling it before you throw it away. You may save yourself a bit of cash, perhaps support your local community, and certainly help the planet too!