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Key Takeaways:
- Recycling and upcycling have been used interchangeably, but are very distinct.
- Upcycling is the process and practice of finding new uses for old items instead of throwing them away.
- Upcycling old electronic gadgets reduces the amount of e-waste and gives new life to gadgets we think can no longer be used.
- Upcycling is a wonderful way to get creative; there are virtually thousands of ways of repurposing old electronics.
According to the most recent report from the United Nations’ Global E-Waste Monitor, the Philippines is among Southeast Asia’s top e-waste generators and estimates that by 2030, generated worldwide e-waste will exceed 74 metric tonnes.
The report says that higher consumption of electronics will drive the increase. Shorter life cycles of these gadgets and fewer repair options will also contribute.
Replacing smartphones, tablets, and laptops every year or so is quite common practice, but it’s because of these normalized digital habits that our e-waste problems are reaching critical levels. With the demand for turning to the latest models almost every year, what do we do with outdated units?
Recycling and upcycling have become hot-button buzzwords in sustainability, but do they mean the same thing? These words have often been used interchangeably, and they’re certainly connected, but they’re quite distinct from each other.
Recycling entails that items are brought to a facility where they’re broken down into parts, and in turn, these different components (i.e., paper and plastic) are re-manufactured into new products.
Upcycling, on the other hand, takes the concept of recycling into the consumers’ hands: repurposing items such as old electronics and turning them into new useful things. Think of it as DIY recycling, where one might turn an old TV monitor into a pet’s bed or old keyboard caps into quirky accessories.
Instead of throwing away old, obsolete gadgets or devices that no longer work, consider going the extra step and upcycling them.
Apart from reducing e-waste, upcycling extends the life span of our devices in new innovative ways. Practicing upcycling supports and promotes a circular economy, which means that consumers are closing the loop when it comes to being end users.
Instead of throwing a device away and replacing it with a new one, we can opt to close the loop in a number of different ways that benefit the environment and conserve resources.
Upcycling electronic gadgets helps reduce the demand to make more new electronics, maximizes devices’ use and functionality, and reduces environmental impact.
Everybody’s So Creative
Apart from the environmental and sustainable benefits of upcycling, it’s a wonderful way to get creative. A quick and curious search for ideas on how to upcycle electronic gadgets will give virtually thousands of interesting ideas that run the gamut from furniture, art and statement pieces, fashion accessories, and many more.
Here are a few places on the web to visit to get you started on your upcycling projects!
56 Upcycled Gadgets – Let his Pinterest board launch you into the fascinating world of upcycling everyday electronics into new and sometimes quirky pieces!
Turning an Old TV Set into a Pet Bed – This tutorial shows you how!
A Nerdy-Cool Circuit Bracelet – Those little chips and pieces from a device that no longer work could make a unique bracelet!
A Brand New Fish Bowl – An old computer monitor can become a new home for your pet fish!
Turn Music into Light – Old CDs and DVDs can be turned into a stylish lamp!
Other Ways to Upcycle
Upcycling may require a little bit of time and effort, but those who may not have so much time to spare can still contribute in their own way. Upcycling isn’t only about getting down with a glue gun and a screwdriver, it can also be practiced in simple and mindful ways such as gathering old (but usable) gadgets and donating them to those in need, or re-selling them to niche groups specializing in older, “retro” tech. (You’d be surprised what your digicam from 2005 can go for in these markets!)
Upcycling can be a mindful and eye-opening practice for everyone in the family. It’s never too early (or too late) to re-evaluate consumer habits. A very simple and buildable practice that over time brings positive and meaningful changes to the environment.