Upgrade sustainability practices by upcycling



Recycling helps promote more sustainable living

Upgrade sustainability practices by upcycling


Virtually everyone knows recycling helps promote more sustainable living. A lesser known but effective way to keep materials out of the landfill is upcycling.

When items get recycled, they’re generally broken down and the materials are used to create other products. For example, glass can be melted to create new glass containers, milk jugs can become playground equipment and discarded newspapers are the basis of some kitty litter.

Upcycling is a little different. With upcycling, the material doesn’t change form but is reinvented. One popular tact is reinventing thrift store furniture finds into new pieces, such as converting an old trunk into a whimsical coffee table.

Upcycling can also be an effective and affordable way for philanthropic organizations to achieve their missions. One example is Help Heal Veterans (Heal Vets), a nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans and active-duty military by supplying therapeutic craft kits. In honor of Earth Day, the organization announced it received and repurposed more than 1 million pounds of upcycled materials.

“Through upcycling, we are able to responsibly utilize donated materials that would have gone to landfills to serve veterans who need our support,” said Joe McClain, retired Navy captain and CEO of Heal Vets.

The organization repurposes leather, cloth and other materials to create therapeutic craft kits for veterans and active-duty military around the world. Thousands of kits are shipped each month to help with long-term support and recovery for those impacted by wounds of war.

Each kit is a complete project, such as leatherworking, building models, making jewelry or another creative piece. While all kits help veterans focus on the present and build self-worth and self-esteem, many are also customized to focus on specific needs such as restoring fine motor skills and concentration or relieving depression and anxiety.

Upcycled materials, such as leather from old airplane seats, make the kits possible. Together, Southwest Airlines, Arise Foundation and Duncan Aviation donated 335,000 pounds of leather from outdated seat covers to support numerous leather kit options, including wallets, belts, footballs, and bracelets.

Other organizations providing source materials include The Elks (more than 1 million square feet of tanned deer skins), La-Z-Boy (469,500 pounds of upholstery), American Woodmark (112,400 pounds of cabinets) and Magna (40,000 pounds of automobile seats).

Upcycling at Home

Make a commitment to sustainability with these upcycling ideas you can implement in your daily life:

  • Empty tissue boxes can be used to organize supplies, including pens, seasoning packets and more.

  • Instead of discarding an old shower curtain, save it to use as a drop cloth for messy art projects with the kids.

  • Fit mate-less socks over your hand to use as dusting mitts or to collect and store small pieces of games or other household items.

  • Cut the tops off two empty plastic bottles of the same circumference. Attach a zipper to the cut edges using hot glue or adhesive for fun art supply storage.

  • Add a backing with chalkboard paint to an old window or mirror frame for a stylish message board.

Learn more about the relationship between upcycling, sustainability and supporting veterans at healvets.org.

(Family Features) 



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 5 garage safety tips

    Make sure everything is secure and functioning properly

    When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months. read more »
  • 7 vegetables to grow easily in your home garden

    All you need is a little time and effort

    Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. read more »
  • 7 budget-friendly gardening hacks

    Tricks to help you create a cost-effective garden

    Gardening can be a simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment. read more »
  • 2023 I Love My Parks Day Events

    Volunteer with your family to clean up a local state park

    I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York's amazing parkland. read more »
  • Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushroom caps

    Simple, easy and delicious

    Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. read more »
  • Parmesan crusted chicken

    Super easy to make

    Not only is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish delicious, it is super simple to make. read more »
  • 5 resilient flooring trends for spring remodeling season

    Spruce up your home this spring

    If the idea of a spring remodel brings equal parts intrigue and dread, starting with your flooring can make the process more appealing. For example, sustainable, resilient flooring comes in a variety of options to both your budget and personal style. read more »
  • Tips on navigating moving and storage scams

    New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Releases Guide

    the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection announced the release of a comprehensive guide that provides consumers with important tips to avoid moving and storage company scams. read more »
  • Top tips to win a college scholarship

    Creative ideas to help your student out

    More than half of American families used scholarships to pay for college last year. From merit-based to artistic-focused, there are a variety of awards available. read more »
  • Understanding maternal health and hypertension

    7 tips for a heart-healthy pregnancy

    A common misconception is high blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, rarely affects women. However, nearly half of all adults with HBP are women. read more »