In light of Global Recycling Day, we are sharing former Achievement Award Winner Isla Eldridge’s 10 top tips on upcycling: a positive impact to our eco-system! This year’s Global Recycling Day 2022 will celebrate the “recycling fraternity” and promote education about the importance of a cleaner environment.

Isla Eldridge was awarded an Achievement Award from her Guides GLW due to her interest and volunteering her time in the local community. Isla did this through working to obtain her interest badges, campaigning for Sutton Night Watch, and her work on the Upcycling and Food Waste Badge!

In the article below, Isla expresses her top 10 upcycling tips, which not only gives you the chance to be creative, but also saves the environment from unnecessary wastage!

Isla’s Top 10 Upcycling Tips!

1. Look for things that you don’t use anymore and try to imagine what they could become before you start a new project.
2. Before you throw anything into the landfill bin, THINK whether it can be reused or upcycled.
3. Make sure that you use things that don’t involve broken glass, sharp edges or are damaged in other ways that might pose a risk as you upcycle or use the finished product.
4. Make sure that you are going to actually use what you are upcycling the item into because otherwise there is no point – it will just be more clutter or landfill!
5. Try to make products attractive and not just useful so that people will want to use them.
6. Before you go out and buy something new, think whether you can upcycle something you already haver to do the job and so save money and materials.
7. Make sure you have the right tools and any additional materials you might need before you start so you aren’t left with a half-finished project.
8. Why not get together with friends to share items that you want to re-use; they might have an idea for something you have brought and vice versa? You could make it an upcycling craft party with snacks.
9. If you have left-over resources always return them to the shop, give them to a friend or put them to another good use so they aren’t wasted. Why not create an upcycling box with possible items and materials?
10. Be creative and have fun!

Here are some of Isla’s masterpieces through the creation of upcycling in her own home!

Cork Crib: “My cork crib is a great decoration for Christmas time. Although it took a while it was definitely worth it for the quality design. We enjoyed making it and looking at it over Christmas. We have packed it away and will get it out next Christmas.”

Cork pinboard: “This works perfectly. It will be very useful for home-schooling. I am going to use it to display my timetable every week. I’m glad I decided to spray it silver because it looks a lot nicer than it would have done if it was just mismatched cork. It will complement my bedroom walls well.”

How innovative Isla – we love to see it! Tag us on social media on ways you are contributing towards Global Recycling Day 2022 and we’ll retweet/repost to highlight your hard work!

Are you a young person striving to make a difference for the environment, climate change and young people? We want to hear from you. Email pr@jackpetchey.org.uk for the opportunity to share your story and your achievements!

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