I came across the term up-cycling today, it being mentioned as part of a current practice that has been around for a little while. to the already knowing reader I have to excuse myself for stepping into a stream that has been flowing for some time already, thereby risking to be a bore. I promise to keep it crisp.

up-cycling is the new re-cycling. the basic idea stayed the same – the difference lies in the approach and consequently the outcome. up-cycling has lost the stench of the malfunctioning, the improvised and the ugly that hovered around the re-cycled. by the means of well-informed design and cutting-edge craftsmanship, used material is turned into functioning, lasting and beautiful objects that therefore become marketable. it is the alchemists dream of making gold from garbage come true.

closely related to its punk-brother, the diy (do-it-yourself) whatnot – the natural habitat of the up-cycled good is where the heart is: home. most up-cycled commodities are furniture and household items.

one of the pioneers of the up-cycling trend is the dutch designer Piet Hein Eek. I highly recommend visiting his online-representation for more insight into a fascinating world of regained possibilities.

there is nothing new under the sun.* isn’t there?

* the bible, ecclesiastes 1:9