The Problem

As the US began to rapidly industrialize in the 1800s, a switch from manual to automated manufacturing took over. This new form of production drastically reduced commodity prices while also increasing the number of products that could be made in a short period of time. As a result, wages decreased, work hours increased, and the amount of waste Americans produced began to steadily grow. Today, the US produces more waste per capita than any other country. This amounts to 12% of the world’s total municipal solid waste production even though the US only accounts for 4% of the world population[1]. Consumer habits in the US are unsustainable and need to be addressed for the environmental degradation that such actions cause.

What is UpCycling?

Upcycling is the process of utilizing otherwise wasted materials in continuous cycles, while also retaining the original item’s structural integrity and increasing its economic potential. In doing so, “trash” is diverted away from landfills and otherwise destructive recycling streams. This system supports local economies and reduces consumption of virgin resources.

Downcycling

It is important to consider the concept of downcycling, a form of recycling that degrades the original material and reduces its economic value. This system manipulates the original item by shredding or melting it into a new product. Often times this can result in a product that is hazardous, abrading and off-gasing toxic particulates.

Cradle to cradle

The cradle-to-cradle ideology is a system of developing products to ensure the longevity of materials for continuous uses(cycles). Once an item is no longer wanted in its current state, the product can be easily disassembled or upcycled for further uses. When designing goods, technical nutrients and biological nutrients must be considered when designing a product. For example, when you build a table you not only consider its use as a table, but its second life when it is eventually broken or no longer serves a purpose. The hinges and bolts, (technical nutrients) will be dismantled and either reused or upcycled into new products. The wood, (biological nutrients) will be used in the creation of new products and eventually if needed biodegrade into valuable environmental nutrients.

Circular Economy

A circular economy encourages the longevity of products while maintaining their highest economic value, eliminating pollution and waste. Just as nature cycles nutrients throughout an ecosystem, no resources are wasted. This is the model that a circular economy is based upon.

“Why are we spending $51 Million to bury over $168 Million worth of recyclable material?” - New Mexico Recycling Coalition, 2013