The Upcycler

The term "upcycle" is not (yet) recognized by such stalwart word-halls as the Merriam-Webster and Oxford dictionaries. But give upcycling a chance. According to the Sustainability Dictionary, upcycling is:

A term coined by William McDonaugh and Michael Braungart. The process of converting an industrial nutrient (material) into something of similar or greater value, in its second life. Aluminum and glass, for example, can usually be upcycled into the same quality of aluminum and glass as the original products.

What we know of "recycling" involves "upcycling" and "downcycling." When something is reused, its value can change. The idea of upcycling puts a powerful, positive spin on the idea of recycling. One does not settle for just reusing an item; the value of that item does not diminish, and may, in fact, grow.

A good today brings a better tomorrow.

Sincerely yours,

The Master of the Universe