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Recycle, Upcycle, Repurpose, Refashion?

23 comments
Recycle, Upcycle, Repurpose, Refashion?
recycle, upcycle, repurpose, refashion

Do you ever get confused by these terms?
"Recycling" and "Upcycling" were on my radar until "Repurpose" and "Refashion" suddenly popped up on the internet about a decade ago.
When I started blogging and then progressed to workshops and talks, I was using the latter three terms interchangeably, but then I realised that they were slightly different from each other.
Stella of Purfylle asked me what the differences are, and so I decided to put together a post.  Thanks for the push, Stella!

recycle

Recycle
Recycling is ingrained in our DNA (well, most of us, anyway!).
We separate our waste and pop the recyclables, such as plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper and aluminium cans, into the recycling bin.
A recycling company comes to collect them, clean them out, and then break them down or melt them into materials that can be used to process more plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper and aluminium cans.

upcycle

Upcycle
Upcycling is different from recycling. It involves adding value to the waste so that it's not thrown away or even recycled.  The value is usually added through design work. So, I have a friend who upcycles twigs she collects from her walks and upcycles them into jewelry. Hey, you can even upcycle them into coasters (see above!).  Remember, when you upcycle, you are not breaking it down into materials so that it can be remade again.

repurpose


Repurpose
There are some people who use the word "repurpose". I usually think of this as another category of upcycling except that the item is upcycled in such a way that it no longer serves its original purpose. So, I would repurpose a pair of trousers into a top, or a t-shirt would be repurposed into a bag.  In the picture, the doors have been repurposed into a wall feature.

refashion

Refashion
And then there's "refashion", another word that's been used interchangeably with upcycling, but very popular with people who love to use their old clothes and convert them into something more wearable. In my opinion, it's also a category of upcycling, and sometimes it doesn't have to involve sewing at all e.g. my latest Batik DIY.

Some people may disagree with what I have said here; in fact I hop from upcycle, repurpose and refashion quite regularly. To be honest, it is most likely the definitions are so fluid that they will eventually change over time and be given only one meaning in the dictionary! Why, the word "upcycle" has only been around for less than 20 years! Nevertheless, those of us who do practise these techniques are contributing to a great cause - reducing waste - and that's all that matters.

Which word do you use?


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Abdelghafour

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23 comments

  1. What do you doing with the scrap after refashion your old clothes?

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    1. Hmmm... good question. I think if you're turning those into rag rugs or rags, it would be an upcycle.

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  2. Agy, it's really confusing sometimes what what means. And with getting more popular in different areas these terms need some clarity for sure. Thank you! I love the example of your latest Batic DIY, too - wonderful colours;)

    Mariana

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    1. Thanks for your sweet comment, Mariana

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  3. I'm so glad I've got this article to point people towards now when they ask just what is the difference. I knew you would be able to explain it properly!

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    1. Thank you, Stella! Wouldn't have done it without you :)

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    2. I came back to link to your post for my Earth Day round up http://www.purfylle.com/2016/04/36-earth-day-ideas.html (perhaps consider a search this blog widget in your side bar)

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  4. I never thought about the difference in these terms before. It makes sense. In my ha, recycling is for garbage ( bottles etc. ) repurposing is for finding new ways to use things.

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  5. My husband is a master at repurposing. It keeps him busy :)

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  6. I never thought of the differences between the terms. Your definitions made perfect sense. I use upcycle alot.

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  7. Wow, this refashion is really impressive. I always like to do that, but I doubt that I ever achieved such a result P

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  8. Just want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! All the best!

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  9. I love that shirt!

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  10. Definitely learned some new things reading your post! Thanks so much. :)

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  11. Thank you for these definitions I tend to use refashion because I mostly upcycle clothes. Btw, I love your blog!

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  12. Upcycle is the word I would use, and I learned all about it from your blog!!

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  13. I use different words in different contexts. Recycle works well for paper/plastic garbage that can be reused. Upcycle is what I use when I'm changing something into something new.

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  14. I think people tend to use all these words interchangeably. I tend to think of upcycling as just complete trash being given a new purpose. Taking a pop bottle and making a hummingbird feeder or crocheting plastic bags. I think of repurposing as kind of keeping it's original purpose, such as using a glass coke bottle to hold another material such as craft materials. I am working on a documentary about how reduce, reuse and recycle in my community and I was trying to find someone who upcycled, but I didn't see how giving something a new coat of paint was upcycling or giving it a completely new purpose.

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    Replies
    1. I agree with you on the new coat of paint not being an upcycle, I tend to think of it as a refresh, renew, life extending, refinish sort of thing.

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