›

eCourse

START
UPCYCLING
Startupcycling intro /

An eBook on upcycling, waste reduction,

youth engagement and entrepreneurial learning.

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 Project by

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TABLE ›
OF CONTENTS

1 STARTUPCYCLING
4 VOICES
INTRO

2 WHY
5 TOOLS FOR
UPCYCLING? UPCYCLING

3 ACTIVITIES AND
6 COLOPHON
WORKSHOPS

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1
STARTUPCYCLING
INTRO
Startupcycling intro /

This first chapter introduces you to the broader topic of upcycling and it’s multifaceted
defining aspects. A broader overview of the StartUpcycling collaboration will also be
described to provide you, as the reader, with insight into how the project came about and
why there is an urgent need right now to tackle our growing waste problem.
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 Startupcycling intro / 1.1 StartUpcycling

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Creating change through waste reduction and illustrate the importance of upcycling.
entrepreneurial learning; that is what this book The third chapter introduces some of the
is all about! The text offers a deeper insight activities that have been implemented by
into the learning processes and results of the the different project partners. The activities
international project, StartUpcycling. described throughout the chapter illustrate how
broad and diverse the topic of upcycling can be.
Startupcycling intro / 1.1 StartUpcycling

This first chapter of the book introduces you The most effective teachers tend to be people
to the background and purpose of the project. with both experiences to share and the
You will find out why StartUpcycling was born charisma needed to make learning fun. Because
and how it has played an important role for of this, in Chapter 4 we share both our personal
both the youth participants and the international experiences of the connections we made during
partners. the project and the voices of the people we met
along the way. Each personality we encountered
The collaboration between a range of offered us new inspiration and ideas of how to
international project partners for StartUpcycling promote upcycling and startups.
generated meaningful discussions around In the final chapter we present some useful
waste on a global level. In the second chapter educational tools for entrepreneurial learning in
we therefore discuss the importance of, and the field of upcycling. These can be replicated in
background to, waste reduction in different other projects and adapted to various situations.
contexts worldwide and use these examples to

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Startupcycling intro / 1.2 Project background ›

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In 2014, I was walking through Cape Town impacts on all of us and on the Earth we all
Startupcycling intro / 1.2 Background to the project

and was inspired by the people I saw who share. Society is being forced to find new
were living on the streets and supporting ways to combat waste, tackle climate change
themselves with so few resources. They were and counter the negative consequences of
creating complex and interesting works of non-ecological living. At the same time youth
art using old packaging, bottle tops and unemployment is an acute global problem
clothing. In so doing they were helping to for both developed and developing countries
tackle the issue of waste that pervades in and is a major contributor to social exclusion
communities worldwide while also using and poverty. In many instances it leads to
their own innovation to generate an income. feelings of resignation, frustration and even
By using this inspiration and building upon aggression.
existing networks, ‘StartUpcycling’ was born
two years later. From these origins the project A key motivation behind StartUpcycling
seeks to empower youth and encourage their was the clear need to tackle these problems
engagement with the fields of waste reduction in tandem. The collaboration of 8 project
and green entrepreneurship. partners across 4 continents has revealed that
although we live in very different realities
It should not come as a surprise that waste we have a lot in common. Issues surrounding
and pollution are both increasing worldwide waste and consumption affect all of the project
and that these increases will have long-term partners and reveal some of the unpleasant

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global impacts of climate change. The between the StartUpcycling partners has
Startupcycling intro / 1.2 Background to the project

problems we face in each place are generally been a key benefit of the collaboration. It
the same but the people and cultures that has brought considerable and unique value
define the nuances of how societies interact to the development of a project working with
with their problems are different. Each part a variety of different people. Communication
of the world has the potential to teach others and teamwork within a diverse group of
something new. Whether it is in a district people can be unpredictable and sometimes
of Cape Town, the streets of an Italian town challenging. However it was precisely that
or a shop in the middle of Rio de Janeiro, heterogeneity and the excitement of the people
upcycling can connect people looking for new involved that fostered a vibrant group dynamic
and sustainable forms of expression. and enabled positive outputs.
It has been an inspiring cooperation
thanks to the variety of backgrounds of the The activities and meetings undertaken
people involved. generated a lot of enthusiasm, motivation
and inspiration to continue with this type of
The diversity among the youth workers and work. By implementing new methods and
creative artists has contributed immensely to approaches we found that upcycling is one of
the variety of outcomes. the best tools to start interesting discussions
around waste reduction. It can stimulate
The intercultural exchange that took place new ideas and lead to new perspectives that

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manifest changes in the everyday lives of
Startupcycling intro / 1.2 Background to the project

people.

In the following chapters we share this

positive spirit with you. As a result you are
going to learn more about new ideas and
approaches on how to address the topics of
waste reduction and entrepreneurship in local
communities and youth groups.

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Startupcycling intro / 1.3 An international collaboration ›

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The main focus of StartUpcycling is to raise field, and offered guidance on setting up new
Startupcycling intro / An international collaboration

awareness of the benefits of upcycling green businesses.

as a tool to drive positive global change Generating experiences and enabling good
through its interaction with the youth practice are both key to having an impact
entrepreneurship. Our aim is to develop on someone’s behaviour and thus achieving
innovative ways to promote waste reduction, a transition. That is why the StartUpcycling
upcycling and youth employability. In the project focused on interactive and practical
years 2017 and 2018, the project brought learning among youth and youth workers
together partner organisations from around through workshops, training exercises and
the world: WasteLess (India), Upcycling excursions. StartUpcycling is designed to be
Studio Auroville (India), Fundacja Laja a platform for creative exchange, reaching
(Poland), Action Synergy (Greece), Onda beyond the project partners. That is why
Carioca (Brazil), SEED (South Africa), we appreciate any opportunity to network
Puntozero (Italy), D’Avent Association with other upcyclers, creative artists, youth
(Romania) and Starkmacher (Germany). workers and enthusiasts with whom we can
Teams from these organisations provided collaborate and share ideas and experiences.
youngsters with a review of upcycling Together, we want to challenge the norm by
measures, examples of upcycling in action, using upcycling as a new means of providing
established connections with social businesses products, services and solutions.
and international contacts working within the

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Startupcycling intro / An international collaboration ›

StartUpcycling follows the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out
by the United Nations in 2015 to strive towards ending poverty, protecting the planet and
ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
The project undertook activities within the following goals:

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Caring for people and for each other:
Startupcycling intro / An international collaboration

Goal 4 – Quality Education:

Educational methods are used throughout the project to provide a
theoretical basis and encourage non-formal learning. During the
meetings with youth, various methods were discussed and developed
that could be implemented at a local level.

Goal 8 - Good Jobs and Economic Growth:

As youth are in a phase of orientation and of choosing their careers,
we think that it is most relevant to approach them in this time of
their lives and talk about opportunities in the labour market. We
also wish to promote economic growth by teaching young people
about entrepreneurial approaches in upcycling and by showing them
potential opportunities, especially for green startups. The project
has thus focused on local workshops and excursions to introduce
participants to the main principles of entrepreneurship.
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Caring for the Earth:
Startupcycling intro / An international collaboration

Caring for each other at a global level means that we need to care for the Earth.

Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption:

As upcycling is the core focus of the project, critical consumption,
recycling and zero waste were the main topics discussed.

Goal 13 – Climate Action:

Another focus lies in understanding the need to actively fight climate
change and to provide solutions and positive examples of climate
action in order to save our planet. Upcycling is a powerful and highly
visible tool through which to achieve that.

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Innovative use of surplus:
Startupcycling intro / An international collaboration

We want to share examples of innovative economic models and of the different ways of living,
as demonstrated by sustainable communities. All the methods chosen for the project have been
put together and made accessible for everyone to actively participate in. The project also seeks
to inspire people outside of the direct project partnership to develop ideas, to gain knowledge
and to use the opportunities of green enterprise for waste reduction.

Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure:

StartUpcycling promotes a meaningful exchange about innovative
and sustainable products and activities through which to inspire
people worldwide. During the local and international meetings we
organised visits to innovative startups and to people actively involved
in upcycling and waste reduction.

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Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities:
Startupcycling intro / An international collaboration

The participants were asked to organise an action or event for

sustainable transition in order to localise both the SDGs and their
idea. Through contact with youth workers, participants received
training that enabled them to become agents of change and
multipliers of change in their home region.

Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals:

We aimed to develop strong and sustainable bonds to help create
future prospects and opportunities for social projects, voluntary
services and youth worker exchanges.

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Startupcycling intro / 1.4 More about the ‘why’? ›

We want to
turn waste into
entrepreneurial
opportunities,
because Waste is
Cash!
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The materials we throw away have a high value is set to transform into a huge rubbish bin,
that can be used to make money. The fact that the contents of which we can neither recycle
we do not need to purchase anything to create nor reduce any more. The responsible use of
Startupcycling intro / 1.4 More about the ‘why’

an upcycled product provides disadvantaged materials is key to the resilient value chains of a
people with the opportunity to gain access sustainable future. Once you start to think in this
to potential business opportunities. We are way, there is no more ‘waste’ but only resources
convinced that if the right tools and approaches of potentially significant value.
are chosen people can use upcycling as a The responsibility lies with you and I. We need
means to secure a sustainable income. Chapter to get creative about how to Rethink our way of
4 will introduce you to a few entrepreneurial living in general. The three Rs make it clear; it is
measures we implemented to support youngsters all about Reducing, Reusing and Recycling (more
in this regard. on these in Chapter 2)!
Not only can upcycling support people Upcycling is a productive means through which
financially, it can play an important role in to raise awareness around waste reduction
reducing waste and raising awareness of and encourage people to reuse our precious
sustainable living and critical consumption. It is resources. Not only is it fun and creative to
an important contributor to a circular economy upcycle, but it also creates the potential for more
that is regenerative and restorative by design. jobs and employability. However, the best thing
If we do not soon realise the high value of the about upcycling is that everyone can participate
resources we keep throwing away, the world to create special and unique things out of ‘waste’!

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Startupcycling intro / 5. Diving into the world of upcycling ›

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 Startupcycling intro /

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the activity of making new furniture, objects, etc. out of old or used things or waste material:
Through her lighting business she shares her love of upcycling and sustainable design.

The process or activity of converting old or discarded materials into something useful, beautiful and of
higher value.
Applying the limitless potential of human creativity to craft products made from waste instead of using
‘new’ materials.

Upcycling has a positive impact on the environment especially when it reduces waste destined for final
disposal.

Opposing our consumer culture by trying new and innovative ways to meet needs using trash instead of
going to a shop and buying something new.

The act of converting low value waste materials into desirable high-value products.

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Startupcycling intro / 1.5 Diving into the world of upcycling ›
Upcycling is a term with diverse associations country is full of these ‘waste’ materials and
and definitions. A Google search of the word we need to find a way of reducing this rapidly
‘upcycling’ results in 149,000,000 different growing mountain of discarded goods. The
links (13th July 2018), none of which appear first step is to shift our perception of the goods
to be about cycling up a mountain. The we consume to ensure that we are using
search results range from beautiful designer them wisely instead of abusing them without
products to easy DIY projects. At first glance, thinking. The responsibility lies with us!
it may seem that upcycling is exclusively Upcyclincg, in opposition to our current
for people interested in crafts and artisanal consumer culture, uses the boundless potential
work. In reality, upcycling is for you and of human creativity to have a positive impact
I, for people of all kinds. Why? Because it on the environment
is connected to the stuff around us that is You may already know of stylish upcycled
no longer being used. Below you can find products made of pallets, bottles, textiles
different phrases that we think encompass the or cans. The variety and possibilities for
nuances and various aspects of upcycling. upcycling are endless.

upcycling
In today’s world we tend to be active
consumers but quickly forget the value of
the items once we no longer use them. Each

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 Startupcycling intro / 1.5 Diving into the world of upcycling

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upcycling

just creating
is more than

new objects!
›
1.6 Upcycling is so much more than creating new objects… ›

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Upcycling can provide a means to empower Upcycling can be a way to impact
youth. It can give young people new communities through social inclusion.
Startupcycling intro / 1.6 Upcycling is much more

perspectives on waste, encourage creative Upcycling collectives and activities can

thinking and develop competencies they provide a space within which diverse groups
may not otherwise acquire. StartUpcycling of people can come together and share simple
chose different methods of capacity building, creative techniques and visions for the future.
especially in the field of entrepreneurial
learning, such as teaching the Business Upcycling can be a way of connecting across
Model Canvas (find out more on this topic different generations.
in Chapter 5 and in our eCourse) and Many techniques and ideas inherent to
developing a project plan. upcycling are not new and examples of their
Upcycling can be a way to inspire new job use can be found throughout history. We can
opportunities. If the product has high value easily learn new upcycling life hacks for our
and is attractive to the sale market, you homes from our grandparents’ generation.
can start your own business by selling your In recent years, life hacks have staged a
products. There are different ways of setting comeback in industrial countries and have
up a business model, depending on your become a popular trend. Furthermore, reusing
local market and interests. In some countries, materials creatively can connect you with
there are upcycling platforms that help to elders or youngsters as everyone can take an
promote your products. interest in the process; there is no age limit.

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Startupcycling intro / 1.6 Upcycling is so much more ... ›
Upcycling is also a chance to invest in your models that have a social and sustainable
own creativity. One can contribute to the impact, making it easier for anyone to learn
health of the environment while also including something new and eco-friendly.
members of the community who have been
looking for new opportunities or have Expertise plays a serious role. Even though
struggled to find their place in the world. most of the materials necessary for upcycling
And last but most importantly: activities are free, not everyone knows how
to produce long lasting quality products from
Upcycling reduces the use of new raw them. In the eCourse published by this project
materials and thus contributes to a reduction we present some best practice examples
of energy usage, air pollution, water pollution shared by experts that show us how to
and green house gas emissions. upcycle efficiently and effectively.
The motivation behind upcycling activities
We have more good news: and businesses can vary. It depends more
Anyone can start to upcycle! This is the on the personal background of the upcycler
message that we as eco-designers, educators, than on the amount or variety of waste found
promoters and awareness raisers are in their surroundings. We have found that
constantly endorsing. We are involved with people generally decide to upcycle because:
both distribution and awareness raising They want to get creative
of upcycling techniques and business They want to raise awareness

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Startupcycling intro / 1.6 Upcycling is so much more ... ›
on waste reduction innovation seen on the streets of Cape Town,
Their situation demands that they find the increase in creative reuse in other settings
innovative ways to make money appears to be linked to a greater awareness
They want to live in an environmentally of and level of education in the field of
friendly way eco-friendly living and climate protection.
They think it is cool However, because industrial countries
produce significantly more waste it has
Let us return to the example of the people been argued that they should shoulder the
living on the streets of Cape Town. They have responsibility for the problems it causes. In so
a different motivation and goal compared doing they could place more focus on reusing
to most of the upcyclers living in Germany. materials and less on consumption.
These differences lie in the differing socio- With StartUpcycling, we want to inspire
economic backgrounds and cultures of and empower not only the youth and youth
the people and the situations they inhabit. workers participating in the project but also
Belinda Smith from Reuters Germany confirms the people they will work and socialise with
that upcycling has traditionally been more in the future. As a result we seek to equip
prevalent in less economically developed participants to become multipliers of change
countries but has, in recent years, increased who will spread their endeavours across
in more economically developed countries. wider related networks so that others may
While necessity may have driven the learn and benefit as well.

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1.7 Outcomes: collecting fruit ›

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StartUpcycling has demonstrated that tailored towards helping young people
Startupcycling intro / 1.7 Outcomes: Collecting fruit

there are many ways in which to involve to learn more about upcycling and green
young people in upcycling and startup entrepreneurship. The course first focuses on
education. The youth workers and educators the importance of waste reduction at a global
participating in the project sought to reach as level. It then gives insights into upcycling and
many young people with limited opportunities introduces various experts and examples in
as was possible. They set up workshops and the fields of design, education, promotion
events in Rio de Janeiro, Auroville, Berlin, and raising awareness. It continues with
Mannheim, Udine, Ciescyn, Athens, Bukarest the principles of green entrepreneurship
and Lesvos in order to introduce participants that include hands-on activities to try out
to the topic of upcycling and encourage them different entrepreneurial and communication
to engage with different follow-up activities. tools. Using an interactive approach, the
The workshops focused on: course seeks to challenge young people to
Upcycling creation come up with their own upcycling and green
Raising awareness on waste reduction entrepreneurial ideas. Throughout the course,
Entrepreneurial training those taking part can contact the youth
You can learn more about these in Chapter workers who developed the materials in order
3, where we share some of our educational to present their ideas and receive feedback.
methods and activities.
In June 2018, we launched an eCourse

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The eCourse is free and available led to productive engagement and strong bonds
Startupcycling intro / 1.7 Outcomes: Collecting fruit

through this link: between the partners. The exchange with people
http://www.actione-learn.eu/startupcycling from India, South Africa, Brazil, Italy, Greece,
Poland, Romania and Germany gave a solid
The StartUpcycling partner organisations also foundation and inspiration for the work at a
set up a series of events and multiplier training local level. Furthermore, the on-going constant
sessions intended to reach out to more people exchange via digital media has led to a strong
and to present the project more widely. The collaboration at an international level.
underlying goal of these activities was not only After a few months of working together, four
to actively upcycle but also to support young different startups came into being, thanks to the
people in their growth towards environmental inspiration of this project. Through the networks
living and to support them in becoming agents created and the multiplier effect sought we are
of change for waste reduction. confident that this number will continue to grow
as the wider impact of all the activities included
Three 10-day meetings were held with in the project are realised. International youth
youth workers in Germany, India and South exchanges with a focus on youth employability
Africa. These events were full of interpersonal and upcycling have also been developed as a
exchange, theoretical and practical learning and result of this project. The global partnerships
excursions. The strong collaboration, openness that have been forged provide a strong basis for
to contribute and excitement to work together future collaborations and will continue to offer

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opportunities through which to develop more
Startupcycling intro / 1.7 Outcomes: Collecting fruit

youth mobility programmes such as voluntary

services, exchanges and internships.
StartUpcycling has been a powerful experience
for all the people involved. We strive to continue
the network and collaboration to support the
youth in our countries and engender change
towards a clean and sustainable future.

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2
WHY
UPCYCLING?
Startupcycling intro /

The planet and our resources are finite. Yet we have adopted production patterns that are
linear and are resulting in the depletion of our shared resources. Nature offers us countless
examples of how a cyclical system works without producing any so called ‘waste’.
In this chapter we show how upcycling offers a valuable means of turning our ‘waste’ into
useful and beautiful products.
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 Startupcycling intro /

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Why upcycling? / Changing the game 2.1 Changing the game (shifting design thinking mindsets) ›

The world is flat. more than most people realise. Our planet
Infinite growth on a finite planet is possible. cannot handle it, and neither can we. It is time
Technology will solve all of our problems. to change.

We all know the world is not flat. But what One of the fundamental mindsets to change is
about challenging our thinking and attitudes our design thinking, or the way we think about
towards growth or technology? how things are designed and made.

It is time to wake up and smell the coffee. The Most products are designed for a linear system
way we use and discard products is quickly or economy where materials flow in a straight
destroying the earth and damaging our health line.
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For example, we take limited and valuable As consumers, our thinking has been moulded by
natural resources from our planet like oil. The this linear system. This paradigm shapes the ways in
oil is then refined to make a plastic bag. We which products are designed but it needs to change.
use this bag for a very short time to carry Design thinking has the power to shift this global
shopping home from a supermarket, and then system towards something more sustainable.
we throw the bag in the waste bin.
Why upcycling? / Changing the game

What is more sustainable than nature?

This system carries precious materials in a
straight line right from wherever they were Nature’s systems are abundant, beautiful and, most
extracted (oil field) to factories (refineries), importantly, resources flow in endless cycles. There is
shops, our home, the bin and finally a landfill no start or finish and so the concept of waste simply
or incinerator. At every step along the way does not exist.
this system creates pollution with long-term
impacts. In terms of the legacy that we will Think of a tree. We have over 3 trillion of them on
leave for future generations this is one of the the planet–that is more than 400 trees for every
biggest mistakes we are making. person alive today.
A tree is designed to take nutrients from the soil.
It uses them to grow in size and produce leaves,
flowers and fruits. When leaves fall off the tree they
quickly decompose and the nutrients return to the

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soil where they can be used again by the tree or There is no waste in this intricate system because
even by other plants. The flowers of the tree contain everything is a resource. Although a tree’s leaves,
sweet nectar that attracts pollinators and keeps the flowers and fruits may fall to the ground, their role
gene pool diverse. The natural sugar content and in nature’s cyclical system ensures that nothing is
flavour of the tree’s fruits are specially designed without value. This system has evolved over time
for birds to eat. The bird’s digestive system helps and is beautiful, useful and adds value wherever it
Why upcycling? / Changing the game

germinate the seeds contained within the fruit and grows.

ensure that they are spread far and wide. Unfortunately we do not have the luxury of endless
time within which to change the game. We cannot
Fact text box: follow the tree’s example and wait for the trial and
error approach of evolution to create the perfect
- We take about 8% of global oil or gas system. However, we can learn from nature.
production to make plastics
We can harness the limitless potential of human
creativity and design waste out of our systems.
- We make 2 million plastic bags every minute

- The verage useful life of a plastic bag is just You might believe that this is only design thinking
20 minutes and wonder what practical action you can take in
your daily life to fight pollution and manage your
- Once in the waste bin 97% of plastic bags waste responsibly. Fortunately there are many
never get recycled things you can do to help. Read on to explore some

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of the leading theories on waste and learn how to
‘close the tap’ on your garbage!
Why upcycling? / Changing the game

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 2.2 Closing the tap ›
Picture a tap in your kitchen or bathroom at home.
Now imagine yourself opening it completely and,
while the water gushes out at its maximum force,
picture yourself leaving your home for the day.

As evening approaches, you return home to find

your home flooded. You are standing ankle deep in
water and the tap is still running. You see your mop
Why upcycling? / Closing the tap

and a bucket and the running tap.

What would you do first, start mopping up the water

or turn off the tap?

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If you would start tackling the problem by mopping It has become increasingly clear that, when it comes
without turning off the tap, we think it is probably to waste management, no amount of mopping will
best you stop reading this eBook now and seek some be fast enough. We cannot mop ourselves out of this
help. It is clear that most of us would first deal with global problem. It is now time to start closing the tap
the source of the problem and close the tap before on waste.
starting to mop up the water.

This simple example can help us challenge the way

Why upcycling? / Closing the tap

we approach waste management. 90% of global

waste management strategies focus on methods that
equate to mopping (collection, some recycling and
disposal of waste).

Consider your own life and how, when you think

of waste management, you might picture swanky
colour coded bins, recycling, and feeling good when
you buy a recycled product or pick up litter. While
all of these things are good, they only represent one
small part of the solution.

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 2.3 The 3 R’s ›
Closing the tap is a clear and logical step. Reuse: Since the beginning of time, humans
have loved reusing stuff. But in the last 70 years,
It also fits perfectly with the concept of the 3 R’s. The our economic system has changed. The game has
3 R’s are extremely popular and have been used changed. It is now cheaper, more convenient and
very often; almost all of us know them by heart. completely culturally acceptable to use something
The three words roll off our tongues without any once and then throw it away instead of reusing it.
difficulty: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Think of the humble disposable plastic spoon. We
drill the earth for non-renewable fossil fuel (oil or
Reduce: This is so simple that it often gets gas), refine it to make the building blocks of plastics,
overlooked as a viable solution to waste colour and mould this plastic into a spoon. Then we
Why upcycling? / The 3 R’s

management. Waste avoidance and reduction rubs ship it around the world and use the spoon for 30
against the very fibre of our consumer culture where minutes or less to eat a meal on the go. When we
the importance of economic growth outweighs its are done we throw it away and this very spoon will
implications for our quality of life. In this global likely live in a landfill for the next 500-1,000 years.
economy few governments actually include this In our current society, we accept this as being a
as an important part of their waste management better choice to reusing a stainless steel spoon over
strategy. However, according to Albert Einstein, and over again by simply washing our dishes.
‘a clever person solves a problem. A wise person
avoids it’. Recycle: This is by far the most glamorous of
the 3 R’s. Recycling makes us feel good. It gives us

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the fuzzy feeling of doing the right thing without us
actually having to do very much at all. We believe
that if we do our duty and put our recyclables in
the correct bin, we have done a good job. This is
true, recycling is great. It saves precious resources
and provides raw materials for new products
in a circular economy. All the care we put into
separating our waste and putting it in the correct
bin usually means that waste in a recycling bin is
cleaner. Clean waste is considered ‘premium’ waste,
Why upcycling? / The 3 R’s

as it can be easily upcycled. However, it is important

to remember that recycling on its own is not going to
solve our global waste problem. This is why it is the
third ‘R’ and should only be used in situations where
reduce and reuse have not been possible.

Learn more about why these 3 R’s are in a specific

order and how they were developed from the
waste hierarchy.

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 2.4 The Waste Hierarchy: ›
The waste hierarchy, also known as the
waste pyramid, is the current leading waste
management strategy around the world. It
represents an order of actions to manage waste
from the best thing to do (avoidance) to the
worst thing to do (disposal). Based on Lansink’s
Why upcycling? / The Waste Hierarchy

Ladder from the late 70s, this model indicates

an order of preference for action on how to
manage waste that ranges from what is the
best option for the environment at the top of the
pyramid to what is the worst outcome for the
environment at the bottom.

When it comes to waste, the best thing to do

is to decrease the amount you produce by
avoiding and reducing rather than recycling
or disposing. Let us use the example of a
disposable plastic bag to walk you through the
levels of the waste hierarchy

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Waste hierarchy for a plastic carry fit to be used for shopping, instead of recycling
bag: it or throwing it away, turn it into something
useful or beautiful. In this way you create
Avoid: do not accept a plastic bag when something of a higher value and give the plastic
shopping. Carry your own reusable bag so that bag a new purpose.
fewer plastic bags have to be made and fewer
Why upcycling? / The Waste Hierarchy

end up as waste. Recycle: if your plastic bag cannot be reused

or upcycled it can be cleaned and melted to
Reduce: you can decrease the number of be turned into something new; another plastic
plastic bags you get by only accepting better bag, a seedling bag to grow plants in, or even
quality bags that are more durable and will a window or door frame. Note: every time
hold more items. plastic is melted and recycled it loses quality.
The process is called ‘downcycling’ because
Reuse: keep using the same bag when you go products that are made from recycled plastic
shopping instead of using a new one. This only are of lower quality than the original products.
works when you choose better quality (thicker
and stronger) plastic bags or replace them with Landfill: once you can no longer use your
cloth bags. plastic bag then you need to throw it away. If
your plastic bag is not separated from other
Upcycle: once your plastic bag is no longer waste streams, collected and recycled, then it

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might be disposed of along with other waste, Open dump: the plastic bag you throw away
into a huge hole in the ground. Even though a might end up in a big pile with lots of other
landfill has different layers that seal the waste waste. This is especially the case if you live in
off form the environment, the plastic bag will an emerging economy where this is the most
common disposal method. It is estimated that
live in the landfill for close to forever – or what
scientists estimate will be a very long time. 40% of the waste we generate on the planet
Why upcycling? / The Waste Hierarchy

finds its final resting place in an unregulated

Incinerate: when your plastic bag cannot open dump. Unlike a landfill, a dump is
be recycled because there is no collection and open to, and interacts with, the surrounding
recycling system in place, then it may end environment and animals. Through weather
up being incinerated, a process where the conditions (UV rays and rain) the waste ends
plastic bag is burned at high temperatures. up polluting the surrounding environment.
The heat that gets released from burning the The waste starts to degrade and decompose
plastic bag can be used to produce electricity. and mix with leachate from organic waste
Unfortunately, burning waste creates very toxic and rainwater. This then seeps into soil and
gases that pollute the air you breathe and is not eventually makes its way to the water table.
good for your health. The toxic ash produced by Animals are attracted by the leftover food
the burning is water-soluble and can easily get often found in plastic waste. This has a serious
carried by the wind and spread throughout the negative impact on their health.
surrounding environment, causing pollution.

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We can all make a difference by reducing the
amount of waste we produce and throw away.
As the waste hierarchy neatly illustrates, the
best thing to do is to not create waste in the
first place. You can avoid certain types of waste
by using alternatives. A prime example is the
Why upcycling? / The Waste Hierarchy

opportunity to avoid the use of a plastic bag

while shopping by taking your own cloth bag.

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 2.5 Useful definitions ›
In the first chapter several definitions of upcycling reasons. The first is because when we break waste
were given. Perhaps because it is a relatively new items down into their basic parts, the industrial
term, upcycling is often confused with recycling. In process often degrades the materials so that they are
the section below, the differences between upcycling of lesser value or poorer functionality. The second
and recycling are explored. We have also included is due to the fact that waste in a recycling plant
a definition of downcycling, exemplified through comes from different brands that manufacture their
plastics to help you challenge your ideas on the products in many different factories. All of these
Why upcycling? / Useful definitions

world of waste and reflect on your life and habits. products have different chemical combinations and
are thus slightly different. For example, if we take a
Recycling (Noun): The process of breaking down plastic bottle and break it down into its basic parts,
a waste item into its basic parts – be it melted glass, we can make fibre for a carpet. The bottle will never
paper pulp or plastic polymers – and then using be a bottle again. It will continue in a downward
these materials to make new products. Recycling is spiral of lesser value and functionality. The plastic in
often an industrial process that uses lots of energy the bottle loses quality every time it is broken down
and water. However, it prevents the loss of resources and melted. But all plastic bottles are not the same
from the things we throw away and reduces the – some have a different thickness, rigidity or colour.
consumption of fresh raw materials. When we blend all these plastic bottles together –
the result is a lower (downcycled) quality plastic that
Downcycling (Noun): Traditional recycling is will never be a bottle again.
often described as downcycling. This can be for two

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Upcycling on the other hand creates products from You may be thinking: “Why upcycling? We need to
waste that are of higher value, useful (increased produce less waste, not find ways to make it more
functionality) and beautiful. By diverting challenging attractive!” Of course, we do need to simultaneously
waste streams away from landfills you can really tackle the root of the problem and find a way to
create a positive impact (refer to the top 10 waste avoid producing more and more waste. However,
items at the end of this chapter). the current global economy, with all its industries
and unequal power structures, will not easily let us
Why upcycling? / Useful definitions

Recycling breaks down waste items into their basic experience a waste-less world. We therefore need to
parts and then uses these to make new things. The find alternative ways to re-value the materials and
industrial process often uses a lot of energy and resources around us and to create awareness of fair
water. and sustainable consumption patterns. Upcycling
can help to change mindsets by making people
Downcycling breaks down waste items into basic more aware and conscious of the waste problem.
parts and then makes news things that are actually It provides a means of directly engaging people
of less value and poorer functionality than the with the issue of waste management and in this way
original waste item. helps to lead to better solutions.

Still confused? Check out this cool infographic

https://hipcycle.com/upcycling-infographic

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 2.6 Waste in each country ›
Capita per day waste production (kg/day)
Why upcycling? / Waste in each country

0,50 0,70 0,81 1,05 1,35 1,39 1,69

India South Poland Brazil Italy Greece Germany

Africa

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 Global Top 10 worst waste items ›
The StartUpcycling project has been an incredible waste management strategy can change the way
learning experience. The exchange in this Erasmus + you live and work. The per capita waste production
programme has given all partners fantastic insights. helped all of us reflect on how our lifestyles and
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

One of the key insights is the fact that we all geographic location impact the planet.
generate waste and some of these waste streams are
exactly the same across the globe. Some of the most While all of our realities are different, we all share
common packaging items cause problems for waste this planet and we’re all trashing it with the same
management systems across the globe. types of garbage. As a conclusion for this chapter,
we wanted to share the global top 10 waste items
Upcycling can be a positive tool for working and a little inspiration on how these ‘bad boys’ in
towards global solutions to some of these massive our bins could be upcycled. These top 10 waste
waste challenges. As we explained at the start of items cause problems for recyclers, waste collectors
this chapter, a shift in our mindsets is extremely and the environment across the globe. They are
important. Using nature as inspiration for our design the perfect starting point for upcycling. If you can
thinking, we can design waste out of systems and find value in these items, you will not only ensure
create a truly circular economy. However, this is a you have an unlimited supply of raw materials
long-term transformation that will take time. If you but you will actually be making a really positive
want to change something in your life that costs you environmental impact by finding a new life for these
absolutely no extra money – you can close the tap difficult to deal with waste items.
by reducing the amount of waste you generate in the
first place. Using the waste hierarchy as a model for
decision making, you can see how the most effective
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is a recycling disaster. However, these packets are
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

strong, colourful and can be found everywhere,

providing an excellent material to upcycle.

Multi-layer foil packaging: This type of

packaging is found everywhere. Think of a chip
packet or coffee packaging that is shiny on the
inside (aluminium) and is printed on the outside.
This intricate upcycled sunglasses case uses
This multi-layer foil packaging is usually a sandwich
the protective properties of the multi-layer foil
of two different types of plastic and a metal such
packaging to keep your sunglasses safe from getting
as aluminium. These plastics may melt at different
scratched. Made by weaving together strands of a
temperatures and so recycling them together is
chip packet (without using glue) and stitched by our
not possible. The aluminium is recycled in a very
very own upcycling expert, Patricia.
different way, so having metal mixed with plastic
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Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items ›

2. Thin plastic bags: At number two on Plastic bags provide an excellent material for
the list are plastic bags, which are a menace to upcycling. However, if you want to help the planet
the planet. Our worldwide use of these bags has you must make sure to source used plastic bags
skyrocketed to an insane 2 million bags every (post-consumer) and not ones straight from the
minute. And what is even more terrifying is that we factory (post production). Check out this intricately
only recycle 3% of all of these bags. Most plastic knitted beautifully upcycled bowl created by our
bags end up in landfills, incinerators or, even worse, talented upcycler partner, Patricia.
in the environment.

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3. PVC banners: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride also Upcycling this waste is therefore better than
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

called Vinyl or Flex) is the most toxic plastic in the recycling. Especially if it is used for rugged and
world. Toxic chemicals such as phthalates (also known outdoor use as these banners are strong, waterproof
as plasticizers) and heavy metals (such as cadmium and UV resistant. Check out this neat shopping
and lead) are added to PVC (plastic resin code #3). If bag made from a flex banner from an anti-litter
PVC plastic comes into contact with heat (under 800 campaign.
degrees Celsius) it releases one of the worst man-made
chemicals known, called dioxins. What is worse, one
PVC bottle can spoil the recycling of 100,000 PET
(plastic resin code #1) plastic bottles. Vinyl banners
(made of PVC) are used across the globe for marketing
and communication and while recycling them is
technically possible, the toxic material and solvent-
based inks make recycling dangerous.

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4. Polycarbonate plastic: (plastic resin code Checkout the beautiful installation art piece from the
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

#7 or acronym PC) contain a toxic additive called StartUpcycling project partner, Ok, who used over
bisphenol A (BPA) that is not good for your health. 12,000 CDs to create a waterfall.
BPA is an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC).
EDCs confuse our bodies by acting like our natural
hormones. Hormones are part of our chemical
communication system and control the way our
cells and organs work. BPA increases or decreases
certain hormones and changes the way our bodies
work. This bad plastic is a good candidate for
upcycling if it is does not come into contact with
food or beverages.

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5. Polystyrene: Polystyrene (plastic resin code The air in EPS is great to use as filling for a bean
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

#6 or acronym PS, EPS) is another one to make it bag, for example. The Styrofoam can be crushed by
into the global top 10 worst waste items for three hand, as shown in this picture, or machine crushed
reasons. Firstly, it is composed of the toxic building into EPS pearls. Check out the fantastic quality
blocks benzene and styrene. Both are linked to upcycled sails used to make bean bags by the
cancer. Secondly, it is extremely persistent in the Spanish Upcycling design studio DVELAS.
environment. Scientists estimate that it can take up
to 1 million years to break down. Thirdly, it is widely
used for disposable products such as takeaway food
packaging, spoons, cups, plates, pens, lighters,
disposable cooler boxes and more. The foamed
version of this plastic contains 95% air and is
often called by its trade name ‘Styrofoam’; but its
technical name is EPS (Expanded Polystyrene).

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6. E-waste: Electronic waste, or the waste from Upcycling E-waste is challenging, but if done
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

electrical and electronic equipment, is one of the creatively, can be very cool and long lasting. One
fastest growing waste streams worldwide. Common important aspect to consider is the functionality
things like laptops, computers, TVs, mobile phones, of the material. If a material is designed to be
tablets and chargers are all e-waste. E-waste is a flame retardant, then it makes sense to use this
complex mix of different materials, many of which material for applications where this functionality is
are toxic. Improper disposal and recycling of required. Check out this fantastic lamp design by
e-waste can be terrible for the environment. Many Nolan Herbut who has used keyboards to create an
electronics are built using precious resources called amazing hanging light.
‘rare earth elements’. Most of these resources come
from conflict zones where human rights are not
respected and, as the name implies - there are not
a whole lot of them available so we need to reduce,
reuse and recycle.

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7. Fabric: Think of your grandparents’ wardrobe blended cotton with polyester and some are purely
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

and now compare it to yours? plastic (like polyester or acrylic). This is a recycling
nightmare as they need to be separated first.
What is one big glaring difference other than the Upcycling is a good way to delay this nightmare
style of clothes? and can use different materials in one piece.
Most of us have more clothes and use them for Upcycling fabrics can be really fun and exciting.
shorter amounts of time. We buy more clothes, You can use colours, textures and simple methods
they go ‘out of fashion’ faster and we throw them to bring life to old waste. Check out this fantastic
away much more quickly than our grandparents Panda finger puppet made by our talented team
ever did. Cotton and polyester, two popular partner, Patricia.
materials for textile fabric, have massively polluting
lifecycles. Throwing them away therefore promotes
a toxic and wasteful system whereas upcycling
helps to give them new life with a real positive
environmental impact.

If you look at this picture of fabric waste, you will

see that it is a mix of different pieces, many of
which are of different materials. For example, some
fabrics in the picture are 100% cotton, some are

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8. Footwear (including shoes & slippers): Our
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

global society loves shoes. We love them so much

that our demand has doubled every 20 years. Today
we buy an estimated 20 billion pairs every year.
95% of these never make it to a recycling facility and
get burned, dumped in landfills or, worse, pollute the
environment. Recycling shoes is challenging. In the
waste stream they are all different and each one is
a mix of different materials like leather, PVC plastic,
rubber, different textiles, metals, foam and glues.

Upcycling footwear is challenging but comes as

a huge benefit to the environment. Flip flops (or
slippers) are a massive problem in marine debris
and regularly wash up on our beaches. The
amazing organisation Ocean Sole, based in Kenya,
have found a very creative way to upcycle waste flip
flops washed up along beaches into beautiful foam
animals and customised art pieces.

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9. Tyres: Tyres (from cars, trucks, etc.) are Tyres can be easily upcycled. They are strong and
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

a big global challenge. They are often blended the structure of the material is often not damaged,
with different materials, contain metal wires and they are just discarded because the tread (grip)
are dirty. They are also heavy, bulky and break is worn out. One way of using the structure is in
down. In landfills they can puncture or break furniture. It can be an excellent way of upcycling
landfill liners, thereby spreading pollution. In the different waste materials like fabric, rope and
environment, they catch water and contribute to offcuts. Check out this beautiful upcycled cushion
the spread of dangerous vector-borne diseases like chair made from a car tyre by our partner
malaria and dengue. If they are illegally dumped, upcycler, Małgorzata.
they are often burned in tyre fires that create a
thick black smoke filled with dangerous toxins. This
type of waste therefore makes it onto our top 10
list as it is difficult to recycle but is used everywhere
(so the waste is easy to find). Removing tyres from
the environment helps to reduce pollution.

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10. Mirror/Window glass: This type of Although glass is inert and does not pollute the
Why upcycling? / Global Top 10 Worst Waste Items

glass is of a different composition than the glass environment as much as other types of waste in this
used for bottles and is therefore not recycled in list it takes a lot of energy to produce and is thus
the same way. Recycling factories for window and a real waste if just dumped. Window and mirror
mirror glass are not very common and transporting glass is often combined with wood, aluminium or
this waste is both difficult and expensive. plastics, making it labour intensive and expensive to
separate.
Upcycling can be simple and super creative. If you
can find different windows or glass pieces, you can
use them together to create something new without
having to destroy the original material (i.e. by
breaking the frames and removing the glass). Check
out this upcycled greenhouse, built by one of our
project partner’s friends in Europe. It is creative and
can be endlessly reused and repurposed. Upcycled
material that truly adds value to our lives is the key
to unlocking the potential value in waste materials.

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 Startupcycling intro /

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›
 ›

3
ACTIVITIES
& WORKSHOPS
Startupcycling intro /

The StartUpcycling project is a collaboration between different partner organisations from

around the world, all actively engaged in working towards a more sustainable lifestyle
pattern. This chapter highlights some of the projects that the different groups have worked on
in the past years and provides you with some case studies of the types of upcycling activities
and projects that can undertaken.
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 Startupcycling intro /

63
›
 ›
As discussed in Chapter 1, upcycling can be measures. It is mainly targeted at educators
much more than just being creative. There is and youth who want to learn how to implement
an abundance of things you can do to raise certain methods and tools.
awareness on waste reduction, to speak about
start-up creations or simply to bring people If you like any of the methods described and
together through upcycling activities. wish to replicate them in your town, we would
In our StartUpcycling project, 8 organisations like to hear back from you and see how you
from around the world developed and did it. There is much that we can learn from
implemented activities at a local level, each one another!
with a specific focus on education. The
Activities & workshops / intro

following chapter is comprised of summaries

of some of the projects that the partner
organisations undertook. They are intended to
provide you with some insight into the diversity
of topics and materials that are addressed
within upcycling. You will see that they differ
from country to country because of different
localities, target groups and project focus.
This chapter may inspire you to find new and
attractive ways of working with upcycling

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BRAZIL - Waste management workshop for homeless people

Name of the activity Developed products

Upcycling / Recycling / Waste Management Upcycled products made out of vinyl canvas
Workshop for homeless people and recycled products made out of paper,
wood, and Tetra Paks
Number of participants
15 - 20 Name of the promoting organization
Activities & workshops / BRAZIL

Onda Carioca
Age of participants
5 - 22 years of age

Period and duration

December 23rd 2017 - 3 hours

Place of activity
Occupation factory of homeless people, Pavuna,
Rio de Janeiro City

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Activity description:

Attendees to an occupation factory for homeless people located in an abandoned

factory in Pavuna, north of Rio de Janeiro city, were invited to attend a presentation on
recycling, upcycling, waste management and our project ‘StartUpcycling’. The workshop
began with a talk that sought to engage the children, and youngsters more generally,
about waste, consumption, habits, good practices for recycling and upcycling and the
basics of segregation and disposal of garbage. The participants were very interested
in understanding how they could improve their waste collection inside the occupation
Activities & workshops / BRAZIL

factory in order to separate recyclable, non-recyclable and organic waste. This process
of separation will help to alleviate existing problems with the spread of vectors and
contamination throughout the factory.

The presentation was given at the shelter and in addition to the focus on waste
management topics and the StartUpcycling project concept, Onda Carioca’s upcycling
activities on vinyl canvas were presented and a selection of upcycled products put on
display. Two artists of the occupation factory also exhibited paintings and their upcycling
potential.

The main topics covered by the workshop were:

What is waste and how does it impact the environment and our health?

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The importance of collecting, segregating, upcycling, recycling, correct waste disposal and
final destination:
The 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse (upcycling) and Recycle.
The StartUpcycling project and its intellectual outputs.
Onda Carioca’s vinyl canvas upcycled products.
The value of waste, opportunities, social transformation, empowerment and
entrepreneurship on upcycling.

This workshop was useful for the children and youngsters of this occupation as it opened
Activities & workshops / BRAZIL

their minds to a greater awareness of waste pollution and the associated problems, risks
and impacts for our planet, species and health.

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BRAZIL - Workshop and upcycling puzzle game for children

Name of the activity Developed products

Workshop and upcycling puzzle game Upcycled puzzle game and masterpieces made
for children and meeting with ‘upcycler’ of wood / metal waste
urban artist Acme
Name of the promoting organization
Number of participants Onda Carioca
Activities & workshops / BRAZIL

5 - 10

Age of participants
5 - 12 years of age

Period and duration

May 26th, 2018 - 4 hours

Place of activity
Favela do Pavão Pavãozinho e Cantagalo,
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Activity description

The format of this event was an upcycling workshop and meeting followed by activities
with the urban artist, graffiti painter and ‘upcycler’ Acme and children in the favela
Pavão, Pavãozinho and Cantagalo. Initially, a game was made to assemble puzzles
with reusable pieces of wood. The goal was to stimulate creative and logical thinking,
to arouse the children’s playful curiosity through the handling of upcycled pieces. In so
doing the seed of the concept of our project, ‘StartUpcycling’ was planted.
Activities & workshops / BRAZIL

Due to a conflict in the favela between drug-dealers and police the workshop was shifted
from the morning to the afternoon and only a few children from the outskirts were able
to take part. Those who could participate visited the atelier where some of Acme’s
artworks were presented and a testimonial of the artist was filmed. Acme’s upcycling
pieces are embedded in the ecological and social context in which graphite connects to
design projects with the reuse of waste and recyclable materials of wood and metal.

The interior of the atelier is permeated by an atmosphere of inspiration and creativity

with several masterpieces exhibited and assembled over the last years. In addition to
collaborating with Onda Carioca’s team through upcycling, graffiti, design and plastic
arts, Acme will also be participating in our next upcycling workshop with the youth

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of the Terreirão favela. This social project will focus on sustainable furniture made of
industrial waste materials and recyclables in the Plaza de Futuro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Activities & workshops / BRAZIL

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GERMANY - Building a sensory path for children

Name of the activity: Name of the promoting organization:

Building a sensory path for children Kolping Jugendgemeinschaftsdienste, Laura
Konieczny (Zero Waste Your Life)
Number of participants
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

10

Age of participants
18 - 25 years of age

Period and duration

7th - 4th March, 2018 - 1 week

Place of activity
Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, South Africa

Developed products
Sensory Path

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Activity description:

As part of a German - South African youth exchange, a group of ten young adults volunteered
at Gerard’s Educare, an early childhood development center in Mitchell’s Plain, a part of Cape
Town. The Créche had wanted to have a sensory path for the children for quite some time and
had already collected the funds to buy wood and other construction material. The volunteers
were asked to get creative regarding the design of the path and came up with the idea to use
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

only natural and upcycled materials. Their aim was to not only enhance the children’s sensory
skills but also their knowledge on environmental issues such as recycling and upcycling.

The materials used for construction of the path were collected in the area surrounding the
facility and donated by the children’s families and the participant’s host families. Divided into
seven sections, the finished path is made up of numerous different materials. Each section
stimulates one or more different senses and is made from different upcycled materials allowing
the children to experience different sensations as they walk through it.

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Section Materials Senses/
Educational purpose
Entrance Wooden board, recycled

Tyre Hopping Worn-out car and giant Move, see, learn concept
truck tyres, paint of over and under

Wooden Bridge Wood

Painted wooden frame, Touch, hear

Wind chime
seashells, empty soda cans,
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

empty plastic bottles filled

with beads and stones, re-
used beads and strings

Wooden frame, scrap Feel, hear

‘Car wash’
textiles/ cut-up cloths,
strings, little bells, reused
parts of broken instruments
(bells, rattles, cymbal)

Touch boxes Wooden cable reel, empty Touch, hear

gallon jugs, feathers,
leftover crafting materials,
assorted carpet tiles

Garden Worn-out car tyres, paint, Smell, learn about fruits,

seedlings from children’s vegetables and herbs
family gardens
 Activities & workshops / GERMANY

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›
 ›

GERMANY - Mapping Upcycling Start-ups

Name of the activity: Name of the promoting organization:

Mapping Upcycling Start-ups Starkmacher e.V. in collaboration with Ideen³

Number of participants
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

5-15

Age of participants
16 years and above

Period and duration

minimum 3 hours

Place of activity
*no specific location* (online)

Developed products
Online Map

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Activity description

The world is full of explorers, and full of things to be explored:

The Map of tomorrow is an online platform that aims to collect initiatives and bring together
companies that are striving for sustainability and an ecofriendly transition at a societal level. The
interactive map shows places in your area that are already committed to the ‘world of tomorrow’.
Following the wiki-principle, all users, projects and companies can mark themselves and others on
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

the map and thus reach both their own community and others who are yet to discover them. It is
an easy to use online tool and an open resource that everyone can use to connect people and to
enhance the visibility of nearby sustainable spots.

This workshop consists of a discovery tour of 3 - 9 hours focusing on local green startups and
upcycling entrepreneurs. The workshop can either introduce a group to the topic of green
entrepreneurship or it can be offered as a follow-up when a group has already been through the
principles of green entrepreneurship.

The map includes labels/filters like ‘upcycling’,’start-up’ and ‘green entrepreneur’. Workshop
participants are asked to do research and first find entries of green and social start-ups in the close
surrounding. Afterwards, they think about places that are not yet part of the map and embed those
contacts on the map. After the research, they plan a tour (walking, bike or public transport) and

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visit the spots they are most interested in. They inform the entrepreneurs they visit about the new
entry on the map and interview them to unearth the stories behind how they became entrepreneurs.

The discoveries and excursions undertaken through the workshop may also be combined with a
digital version of treasure hunting through ‘Actionbound’, an app for playing digitally interactive
scavenger hunts that lead the user on a path of discovery. The workshop participants will be
introduced to the functions of the app so that they can create their own guided tours and treasure
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

hunts that include the sustainable spots identified on the map.

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GERMANY - Job orientation through upcycling

Name of the activity: Name of the promoting organization:

Job orientation through upcycling Starkmacher e.V. in collaboration with Joblinge
and Trial&Error
Number of participants
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

5 - 15

Age of participants
18 - 25 years of age

Period and duration

4 days

Place of activity
Berlin

Developed products
Prototypes of phone holders

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Activity description:
The upcycling workshop was offered to seven young refugees who were taking part in a
programme for job orientation. By developing a range of skills through self-guided learning, the
participants were encouraged to discover how upcycling can be a potential job opportunity given
the huge quantity of waste produced worldwide. The workshops were implemented in a seminar
room and workshop space with various options and tools available to the participants to enable
them to create things together.
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

Here is a broad overview of the workshop:

Day1:
Goal: Introduction to the project and its focus on working with waste products
Content:
Introduction to the principles of waste reduction and upcycling.
Talk on the importance of waste reduction.
Quiz: How long does it take for different materials to decompose or disappear?
Trash awareness walk through the neighbourhood.
What to do with waste – developing strategies and ideas of waste reduction.
Easy upcycling with Tetra Paks: Creating wallets.

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Day2:
Goal: Experiencing upcycling and developing creative ideas
Content:
Exploring the choice of tools for upcycling creation.
Choosing an item to be upcycled.
Developing an upcycling product: Upcycling a chair with old bike tubes.
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Day3:
Goal: Developing personal projects
Content:
Introduction to the basics of project development.
Idea framing: Creating your own project cycle.
Personal research and development.
Presenting and discussing the Canvas business model.
Discussing the results of the ideas developed and choosing a favourite to be implemented in the
next meeting.
Brainstorming: where can I get my materials (strategically collecting at recycling companies, local
shops, scrap dealers, collection points etc.)?
Asking the participants to work on their ideas until the next meeting.

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Day4:
Goal: Creating an upcycled product
Content:
Creative collaboration: developing a phone holder each.
Presenting the resulting phone holders with an emphasis on materials, motivation and background
of the idea.
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Discussion on how to make money with such products.

Turbo-Upcycling-Session: Creating an upcycling character together in 10 minutes without speaking.
Outlook: How to go further, where can you continue this kind of work?

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GERMANY - Building a Vertical Micro Garden

Name of the activity Name of the promoting organization

Building a Vertical Micro Garden Starkmacher e.V. in cooperation with students of
the Mannheim Business School
Number of participants
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

15

Age of participants
18 years of age and above

Period and duration

1 day

Place of activity
City Park in Mannheim, Germany

Developed products
Micro Compost System

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Activity description

This 1-day workshop is based on a collaborative construction of a vertical micro garden using
just a few discarded materials such as a plastic drum and channel base pipes.
The micro garden is a constructed system containing compost. It can be stored at home, either
inside or outside, and can serve as a base in which to grow plants. Through the addition of
worms the garden can simultaneously compost your food waste and give a beautiful green and
Activities & workshops / GERMANY

fresh touch to your surroundings.

A micro garden can be easily constructed by almost anyone interested; no special skills are
needed. Instead of using a big plastic drum, you can also set up a smaller version using an old
plastic bucket. Everyone who has experience with gardening will be surprised by how fertile
the soil will become and how quickly the plants will grow.

Look at the videos and pictures to see how it works!

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GREECE - T-shirt upcycling workshop

Name of the activity Name of the promoting organization:

T-shirt upcycling workshop Action Synergy

Number of participants
10
Activities & workshops / GREECE

Age of participants
15 – 35 years of age

Period and duration

1-day event

Place of activity
Mosaik Support Center, Lesvos Island, Greece

Developed products
Aprons, coasters, hairbands and shopping bags

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Activity description

The t-shirt upcycling workshop was open for all to participate. One of the goals of the
workshop was to share the knowledge of upcycling and show that it is easy and that
anyone can do it. Since humans have become increasingly addicted to fashion and
consumption, working with t-shirts as a basic material provides an easy medium through
which to understand the upcycling process. It is also easy to get hold of the materials
needed as almost everyone has a t-shirt they can let go of. Giving new life to that old
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t-shirt can be a fascinating process.

On the invitation poster the participants were asked to bring one or more t-shirts they
were no longer wearing. The tools needed, like scissors and sewing kits, were provided
by the organisers. Some already finished products were displayed as examples and
additional materials such as strings made out of t-shirts were available, ready to be used
for weaving. Participants could choose to their own designs and rely on the assistance of
the workshop coordinator throughout the process.

The workshop was held at the outdoor space of the Mosaik Support Center in the capital
of Lesvos Island, Mytilene. For many of the youngsters who attended this was the first
time they had sewn or made string braids. While they all chose to make aprons with

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their names on, others chose to make a variety of items including coasters, shopping
bags, accessories and clothes hangers covered with fabric braids.
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INDIA - LF (Litter Free) Cushion Workshop

Name of the activity Developed products

LF (Litter Free) Cushion Workshop An upcycled PVC cushion case that can be filled
with plastic packaging
Number of participants
56 people Name of the promoting organization
Upcycling Studio Auroville
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Age of participants
8 -15 years of age (13 participants), 15 - 30
years of age (28 participants) & 40 - 55 years
of age (15 participants)

Period and duration

December 2016 - April 2017

Place of activity
Auroville, Tamil Nadu (India)

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Activity description

The Litter Free Cushion Workshop is designed to enable participants to learn about and
implement change at the individual level of managing their own waste. The aim is to
inspire individuals to understand that “change starts with me!”

Post production (leftover) PVC materials from a tent manufacturer were used to make the
cushion covers. The cushion cover acts as a receptacle for other single use plastics (i.e. plastic
bags and packaging materials), which are used as stuffing to make a comfortable cushion.
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PVC (resin code #3) is one of the most toxic plastics for animals, our environment and
us. This is why we decided to find a way to upcycle PVC and other plastic waste into
something that would ensure these materials did not end up polluting the environment.
This approach seeks to prolong the life of these waste materials in order to avoid harmful
impacts to the environment and to animals. This is also a good intervention point to teach
people about the impacts of toxic plastics (such as PVC) as well as the negative effects of
single use plastics (disposable plastic bags and packaging) and the potential for upcycling
to act as a possible solution once these waste materials have been produced.

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The project comprised of 3 parts:

1. Workshop on how to make the cushions: All participants designed two cushions from waste
pieces of PVC sheet sourced from a tent manufacturer. The sheets were stitched into cushions.
One was given to each participant and the second was donated to a public space as part of
a wider awareness campaign on waste management. In total 80 cushions were created in this
workshop.

2. Learning about what kinds of plastic waste we generate in our daily life: All of the participants
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filled their cushions with clean, soft plastic waste (‘premium waste’). Through this process, each
person was encouraged to think about the different types of waste they generate. Such reflection
generates awareness and inspires each individual to start thinking about how they can reduce
the amount of waste they produce. Every cushion made and filled prevents 3-5 kilos of plastic
waste from polluting our environment by ending up in an open dump, landfill or incinerator.

3. Change starts with me: Through the process of handling plastic waste and reflecting on the
types and amounts of waste we generate in our daily lives, participants begin to understand how
we can become change-makers and reduce our use and disposal of certain types of plastics. The
ultimate aim at the individual level is to work towards avoiding plastics by refusing to buy and
use them.

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Outcomes:

Environmental benefit–by filling 80 cushions 400 kilos of plastic waste were diverted from
landfill.

Paradigm shift (waste is seen as a resource)–the manufacturing process for tents generates
surplus waste of 10-15%. This waste is usually landfilled. Now the tent manufacturers see this
waste as a resource. They plan to launch a new brand of bags that uses the excess material,
thereby reducing waste by an estimated 5%.
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Premium waste–when waste is clean then it is a valuable material that can be used to make
beautiful or useful things. In fact, the very concept of ‘waste’ as something useless that must be
thrown away is a linear misperception about the nature of things.

Increasing awareness–the workshop teaches participants about the plastic products we buy
and use through the experiential learning experience of filling cushions with plastic waste that
we have generated.

Make personal waste management choices that are positive, reduce waste and favour a
healthy environment.

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Final Assessment

The project was successful as demonstrated by the enthusiasm and enjoyment of the
participants and the high-quality and useful products that were made from waste. Plastic
waste was used as a resource rather than left to become a pollutant. This project is easily
replicable anywhere in the world where a manufacturing process is generating a surplus that
conventionally becomes waste. The activity provides a simple and effective way to start at the
grassroots level. Individuals can learn to manage their own waste and can be encouraged to
understand and appreciate the need for larger community efforts/public events to save our
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environment from pollution.

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INDIA - Tetra Pak Workshops

Name of the activity Period and duration

Tetra Pak Workshops June 2016 - December 2017
Four workshops:
Padum (June 2016), 6 participants, Place of activity
Production of Tetra Pak stools, Auroville, Tamil Nadu & Padum, Zanskar (India)
Auroville (February 2017), 4 participants.
Activities & workshops / INDIA

Tetra Pak walls were produced, Developed products

Bangalore (March 2017), 25 participants, Stools, armchairs and interior walls
Different Tetra Pak items (including an armchair),
Auroville (April 2017), 9 participants, Name of the promoting organization
Production of Tetra Pak panels Upcycling Studio Auroville

Number of participants
44

Age of participants
10 - 74 years of age

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Activity description

The Tetra Pak upcycling story began in 2010 during the Litter free Auroville (LFA) campaign
in Auroville, South India. A group of young adults had the idea to create a campaign with
the aim of promoting sustainable waste management and creating awareness on waste
and its negative impacts. The event was a huge success with community members actively
participating and showing great enthusiasm.

A key question that arose from the campaign asked what can be done with Tetra Paks? They
Activities & workshops / INDIA

are difficult to recycle because they are composed of six different layers that include plastic,
paper and aluminium. Because of the infrastrucutre needed to separate these layers and
enable Tetra Paks to be recycled, upcycling represents one of the few viable alternatives to
them ending up in landfills. The Upcycling Studio thus proposed the idea of using two Tetra
Paks and placing one within the other to create a strong, lightweight brick filled with air.
The first item produced by furniture designer Marc was a stool, rendered stronger and more
durable through the addition of recycled papier mâché.

Finding local solutions are one of the key approaches necessary to ensure the upcycling
process is cost-effective, inclusive, collaborative and does not lead to adverse environmental
impacts through waste transport. Another key to successful upcycling is the use of clean,

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or ‘premium’, waste. In Auroville, for example, local residents deposit their clean, dry and
flattened Tetra Paks at a drop off point with their local cooperative. In so doing they become
more conscious of the link between their own consumption and the waste they produce, and
can involve themselves in becoming a part of the solution.

Upcycling represents a paradigm shift in the way that we think about waste, design and the
business of design. All of the Upcycling Studio designs are open source and not copyright.
Indeed, the aim is actually to be copied so that more people will use waste, be inspired to
upcycle and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills around the world.
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The Upcycling Studio Auroville organises regular workshops, mainly with Indian students of
architecture and product design. They have also made an online tutorial on how to build an
armchair with Tetra Pak bricks. Over the last two years the Upcycling Studio Auroville have
had more than 100 participants attending different workshops.

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INDIA - The Auroville ‘Trashion Show’

Name of the activity Developed products

The Auroville ‘Trashion Show’ 55 original and beautiful upcycled fashion
garments and accessories made out of all types
Number of participants of waste including plastic, paper, metal and
50 designers, 55 models and 1,000 spectators cloth.
Activities & workshops / INDIA

Age of participants Name of the promoting organization

4 - 74 years of age. Majority of the designers WasteLess, Upcycling Studio Auroville, Eco
and models were youth (15 - 30 years of age) Service and Miraculous Productions

Period and duration

December 2017 - February 23rd, 2018

Place of activity
Auroville, Tamil Nadu (India)

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Activity description

The 2018 ‘Trashion Show’ was the 3rd in the event’s history where creative individuals
become fashion designers and challenge themselves to upcycle different waste materials
into beautiful and inspiring fashion garments and accessories. The theme for this
year’s show was ‘Save the Sea’, a topic through which the organisers sought to raise
awareness of the negative effects that human activities are having on our planet’s
oceans.
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Plastic pollution is proving to be an environmental disaster for marine life. Not only
do animals get injured and die when they become entangled in larger pieces of plastic
(such as discarded fishing nets), but plastics also break down into tiny pieces called
microplastics that wreak havoc throughout the food chain. Fish and other marine life
often consume microplastics due to their similarity with more usual sources of food. Once
ingested the plastic works its way up the food chain, damaging not only the animals but
also harming us by making its way onto our plates. Many of the plastics found in the sea
belong to the ‘single-use’ category, designed to be used just once and then thrown away.
Takeaway coffee/tea cups, plates, straws, food packaging and plastic bags that are
described as ‘disposable’ all risk being thrown away and ending up in the sea.

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As humans we have the capability and the responsibility to work to save our oceans
and environment by stopping, or at the very least reducing, our addiction to single use
plastics. Using reusable bags instead of plastic carrier bags, refilling reusable water
containers to avoid purchasing bottled water, and repairing, reusing and recycling
wherever possible are all actions that we can do in our daily lives. In this spirit, 50
designers unleashed their creativity and the glamorous designs on display at the
Trashion Show stitched together from single-use and other types of plastics. The exciting
creativity on display and important message being conveyed at the Trashion Show can
be seen in this film.
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An amazing diversity of upcycled fashion outfits and accessories were put on display at
the Trashion Show. Some of these included:
- Island of plastic - a vortex created from single-use shopping bags, PET bottles and
mesh beneath a dazzling wrapping paper and party light garland.
- A 50’s inspired A-line dress in bright yellow plastics, artfully decorated with roses
made from plastic bags that previously contained pet food and a concertina paper
headdress.
- A dress made from VHS cassette tape and the toxic PVC plastic straps and synthetic
rubber soles of flip-flops; products that are nearly impossible to recycle.
Evoking the sea in a marine blue plastic cocktail dress with ocean-life detailing and

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roses made from single-use plastics.

A water bottle puff skirt and bottle cap bustier beneath a floral plastic cutlery fascinator.
An amazing drinking straw and electronic protection foam pixie dress. Straws are
among the top 10 items of plastic found in ocean debris.
A PVC snowflake decoupage cascade made from tent factory waste, accessorised with a
fish-shaped bag made from waste plastic.
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ITALY - Upcycling and beyond

Name of the activity Developed products

Upcycling and beyond n/a

Number of participants Name of the promoting organization

10 Centro di aggregazione giovanile Pozzuolo,
LaREA Laboratorio Regionale di Educazione
Age of participants Ambientale
Activities & workshops / ITALY

14 - 18 years of age

Period and duration

3 hours

Place of activity
Centro di aggregazione giovanile,
Pozzuolo, Udine

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Activity description:

This workshop was the first of three meetings attended by a group of teenagers who, during
the following summer, would organise and run workshops for younger children on the theme
of upcycling and waste reduction.

Paolo Fedrigo, a member of the Regional Environmental Education Workshop, first gave a
talk on the dramatic environmental situation in which we find ourselves due to unsustainable
consumption models and a lack of environmental awareness and responsibility. Examples of
complex systems existing in nature, which represent an optimal model of sustainability and
Activities & workshops / ITALY

of a circular economy were explained in the workshop.

The first introductory theoretical phase was followed by a more practical session in which
the students were able to experience the day-to-day applications of upcycling and waste
reduction. Paolo showed examples of upcycling from the local rural culture in order to
explain how the practice of upcycling is more of an attitude and a statement of intent
rather than a fashion trend. Finally, additional upcycled products were discussed that offer
examples of modern solutions to everyday problems that innovate well within the fields of
design and energy.

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ITALY - Upcycled mosaics

Name of the activity Developed products

Upcycling and beyond Mosaics

Number of participants Name of the promoting organization

10 Centro di aggregazione giovanile Pozzuolo,
Amélie Guyonnet
Age of participants
Activities & workshops / ITALY

14 - 18 years of age

Period and duration

4 hours

Place of activity
Centro di aggregazione giovanile,
Pozzuolo, Udine

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Activity description

This workshop was led by Amélie Guyonnet, a French mosaic artist with a preference
for creative and contemporary design. At the beginning of the workshop, Amélie gave
an introduction to the concept of texture and composition and presented the different
materials that would be used to make small mosaics. After this introduction there was
a short training session on how to build a dodecahedron with a bag of tobacco. This
was followed by the core part of the workshop during which participants designed and
constructed a small mosaic.
Activities & workshops / ITALY

Each participant was free to use different materials including electric cables, tiles, metal
shavings, computer parts, pieces of wood, bottle caps, cans of cat food, etc. Using these
resources the participants were able to develop a unique compositional and aesthetic
approach while at the same time discovering a new appreciation for the value of items
normally considered as waste.

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ITALY - Learning from materials

Name of the activity Developed products

Learning from materials Furniture

Number of participants Name of the promoting organization

10 Centro di aggregazione giovanile Pozzuolo,
Mohamed Chabarik
Age of participants
Activities & workshops / ITALY

14 - 18 years of age

Period and duration

4 hours

Place of activity
Centro di aggregazione giovanile,
Pozzuolo, Udine

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Activity description

This workshop was led by the Syrian artist Mohamed Chabarik for whom mosaic art
represents a way of combining multiple artitstic interests and of telling stories about the
world. The activities focused on the intimate meaning of items and materials, how every
material can be reused and on how each material possesses mechanical and aesthetic
aspects that can already suggest a specific reuse. For this workshop the material used was
expanded PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), a lightweight, rigid, expanded foam that is not easy to
recycle or reuse.
Activities & workshops / ITALY

Production leftovers in the form of 3mm and 5mm sheets were sourced from a print shop in
Udine for this workshop. The participants were divided into groups, each of which worked
to develop a different project that studied the function of the object being created as well as
the aesthetic form and the practical means of joining the parts. The resulting objects included
a table, a stool and a lamp, as well as the development of a new consciousness on waste,
design and upcycling.

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POLAND - “Śmieciosztuka” WASTEART

Name of the activity: Developed products

Smieciosztuka” WASTEART Recycled art products

Number of participants Name of the promoting organization:

15 Fundacja Laja
Activities & workshops / POLAND

Age of participants
6 - 12 years of age

Period and duration

c. 2 hours

Place of activity
School

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Activity description

During the workshop the participants created their own designs using items that are
allegedly useless and deemed as waste. A variety of items were created including plastic
sculptures, paper cities or new toys. The participating children brought different types
of waste to the workshop. They were then asked to think about the waste they produce
throughout a normal day: what kind of materials is the waste they produce made from, if/
how is it segregated and what are the solutions to avoid creating this waste in the first
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place? Later they were introduced to the materials they brought with them by discussing how
they could be segregated or how, instead of being disposed of, could it be used differently?
The children were also introduced to the topic of creation – paper city, fish, flying animals,
ground animals, totems etc. to provide examples of how to use the materials they brought
with them in creative ways to make new objects. The participants were given complete
freedom and 95% of the materials used are recycled.

Above all, the most important contribution of the workshop was the outcome of education
and the promotion of positive habits that the participants can gain during the workshop. The
workshop therefore showed the participants that they are capable of creating beautiful and
useful objects thanks to the creative and inventive use of items that we would normally throw
away as household waste in our daily lives.

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POLAND - On the way to Zero Waste - Homemade toothpaste

Name of the activity Developed products

On the way to Zero Waste - Homemade Homemade toothpaste
toothpaste
Name of the promoting organization
Number of participants Fundacja Laja
Activities & workshops / POLAND

15

Age of participants
7 - 30 years of age

Period and duration

1.5 hours

Place of activity
School

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Activity description
The aim of this activity was to make the participants aware of the waste problem around the
world and in their own country while promoting a zero waste lifestyle as a solution to this
global problem. In so doing, the toothpaste making activity seeks to inspire participants to
avoid creating waste within their households.

Participants were asked to bring their own jars. First of all, we talked about the waste
situation in our country: How much waste is produced per capita/year? What is the lifespan
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of the waste we all produce? We asked the participants what they felt the solutions to these
issues could be? We also talked about the benefits of cooking and processing food ourselves
and about the things that one can do at home, or in one’s day-to-day life by, for example,
bringing reusable bags when shopping, etc.

Afterwards, we led the participants through the process of making the toothpaste as follows:
Dissolve the coconut oil in a glass bowl.
Grind the Xylitol until you have a soft powder.
Mix all the dry ingredients together.
Add the herbal infusion and stir with a wooden or porcelain spoon.
Next, add the coconut oil and the essential oils.

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Keep stirring until the paste has a smooth consistency (it will take a little time), then transfer
the liquid into jars. (Remember: use only glass or porcelain dishes - clay does not like metal
containers or utensils).

Finally, participants put their toothpaste in the jars they had brought and created their own
attractive labels.

Here are the materials we needed:

Activities & workshops / POLAND

For the toothpaste: 500g Kaolin clay, 150g Xylitol, 50g Diatomaceous Earth, 20-30ml
essential oils - mint, sage, cloves, 15g Himalayan salt, 200ml herbal infusion, 50ml coconut
oil, glass or plastic bowls (do not use the metal ones there will be chemical reaction with the
clay and you surely do not want it!), wooden or ceramic spoons, bowl with hot water, scales.

For the labels: Self-adhesive paper and permanent markers.

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ROMANIA - WunderDesign - Responsible Design and Production

Name of the activity Developed products

WunderDesign - Responsible Design 10 upcycled products that became the focus
and Production of an exhibition
Activities & workshops / ROMANIA

Number of participants Name of the promoting organization

10 participants on a 9-day intensive course D’Avent Association

Age of participants
20 - 35 years of age

Period and duration

1st - 9th July, 2017

Place of activity
Bucharest, Romania

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Activity description

The Wunderdesign - Responsible Design and Production course used mainly upcycled or
environment-friendly materials. It was addressed to craftsmen and young designers wanting to
practice their creativity and turn their passion into a profession, the value of which would be
appreciated on the commercial market.
Activities & workshops / ROMANIA

Traditionally, the designer is the one who designs a product, while the craftsman is the one
who runs it without the need for design. Things happen differently nowadays. People with
different professions (designers, architects, economists, doctors, etc.), but with a passion
for craftsmanship, become craftsmen. Like all skills, creativity is learned and, above all, it is
practiced.

That is why we launched Wunderdesign, a course about passion and creativity, but also about
the skills that we can use by learning from one another. Ten people were selected for the course
and received training for nine days. This process culminated with the ten new upcycled products
that were produced by the participants becoming the focus of an exhibition.

A responsible design guide was also developed to share the principles conveyed within the
course to a wider audience.

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SOUTH AFRICA - Seeding Futures Program

Name of the activity Developed products

Seeding Futures Program Accredited Applied Permaculture Training
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

certificate
Number of participants
22 Name of the promoting organization
SEED
Age of participants
18 - 50 years of age

Period and duration

6 Months

Place of activity
SEED’s Rocklands Urban Abundance Centre

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Activity description

Seeding Futures is a six-month accredited education and work skills program that wakes up
the potential in unemployed Cape Flats youth by fostering personal resilience and green work
opportunities.
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

The Program outline:

Accredited Permaculture Training (APT):

The first part of the program is an intensive 3-week workshop that is a recognised SETA
Qualification and internationally recognised Permaculture Design Certificate. Once the participants
have completed the module they can go on to complete a 5-month internship that seeks to deepen
the skills acquired, provide hands-on experience and enable hours on the ground at SEED’s
Rocklands Abundance Centre and other partner sites.

The internship modules include:

Personal Resilience
In this module we develop an understanding of self knowledge and awareness. We complete
sessions on strength analysis and feedback, therapeutic art process and healthy cooking, combined

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with multiple wellness practices.

Household Resilience
We look at the house as an ecosystem and apply homesteading designs and implementation,
working towards creating climate resilience at the household level. Case studies and examples have
been created and developed over the years that serve as a basis for discussion.
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

Neighbourhood Resilience
Here we look at developing sustainable communities by introducing concepts and practices
appropriate to the site and region. We guide participants through a mapping and design process
to create prototypes that work towards creating neighbourhoods that are climate resilient and low
impact.
Organic Production
Within Organic Production the participants learn about different models of production and are
exposed to examples of compost production, waste management and seed saving.
Enterprise Development
Including units of study entitled: Entrepreneurship, Ideation, Business Models, Customer Profiling,
Prototyping, Storytelling, Branding and Pitching.
Work Placement
Towards the end of the internship we connect our participants with different social and green
enterprises and networks that could provide them with employment opportunities following
graduation. Participants also expand the Seed Enterprises in Mitchells Plain, South Africa.

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SOUTH AFRICA - Introduction to Recycling and Upcycling

Name of the activity Developed products

Introduction to Recycling and Upcycling A variety of upcycled products were created
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

by participants during the workshop

Number of participants
8 Name of the promoting organization
SEED
Age of participants
18 - 30 years of age

Period and duration

1 day

Place of activity
SEED’s Rocklands Urban Abundance Centre

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Activity description

Local unemployed youth were invited to attend our ‘Introduction to Recycling and Upcycling’
workshop. We had previously observed the huge disconnect that the youth in the area have with
the waste they generate and waste more generally in their community.
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

The workshop was held in an outdoor classroom made from waste materials including tyres, cans,
bottles and repurposed materials. For the workshop itself we collected waste items and also asked
participants to bring their own. The day began with an introduction to our project ‘StartUpcycling’.
The collected waste items were then scattered around the classroom in order to give a visual
representation of the state of the planet. This setting provided a great tool for the demonstration of
waste separation and the different categories within it.

One of the goals for the day was to find a purpose for each of the waste items that had been
collected. As we went along and touched on different topics, we sorted and created stations for
recycling, reuse, non-biodegradable, upcycling and green waste.

Examples of upcycled creations were on display for inspiration. These were made out of various
waste resources and included bowls made of vinyl records, hats and bags made of plastic packets
and bags made from pantyhose and jewellery. These displays set the tone for the day.

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We touched on the following topics during the course of the workshop:

- Introduction to Recycling:
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

What is waste and how do we define it?

The reality of the impact of waste on the environment (facts and statistics were provided).
Why it is important to recycle.
3’rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Changing our consumer habits.
Where is your waste going?
The state of our landfills.
Different categories of waste.
Recycling symbols and what they mean.
Plastic symbols and what they mean.
Recycling – understanding the cycle.
Waste management and the various employment opportunities it provides.
Waste pickers and their role in society.

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 ›

- What is the difference between the terms recycling and upcycling?

Introduction to Upcycling:
Trash is cash.
Why we should upcycle.
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

The value of waste and changing your perception.

Tapping into your creativity (we had an upcycling session with waste generated).
Entrepreneurship.
The day was fun-filled with lots of learning and sharing. Everyone felt inspired and the creative
sessions felt somewhat therapeutic. There was no predefined product that participants were
expected to make and we allowed everyone to be creatively free in upcycling the waste that had
been collected. Items that were made on the day included bird feeders, jewellery, a seat, a plant
holder, decorative creations and cool life hacks. Some of the participants swapped and purchased
each other’s creations at the end of the workshop.

The workshop also included a demonstration on how to build a seat from 2 litre plastic bottles. At
the end of the day we had a demonstration on how to set up a worm farm to divert green waste
from landfills and talked about composting more generally. The workshop was impactful and raised
awareness about waste and the considerable destruction that it causes but also the potential value
that it holds.

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 Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

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›
 ›

SOUTH AFRICA - Earth Building Course

Name of the activity Developed products

Earth Building Course Earth Building Course certificate
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

Number of participants Name of the promoting organization

- Urban Resilience Initiative

Age of participants
18 – 65 years of age

Period and duration

10-day workshop, 6-month internship

Place of activity
Berg en dal Permaculture Farm, Klein Karoo,
South Africa

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Activity description

The Urban Resilience Initiative participants attended a 10-day Earth Building Course in South
Africa’s semi-desert region, the Klein Karoo, hosted and facilitated by The Berg en Dal community.
The course explored sustainable building in a variety of contexts, the value and practice of building
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

with natural materials and the environmental and social benefits of earth building..

The approach to training adopted by the course is rooted in participatory learning practice and
thus drew upon the collective knowledge of the group, while simultaneously guiding the course to
achieve its specified outcomes. By working with a range of materials on small projects that people
can take home and implement themselves we enable participants to immediately shift their practice
towards sustainability.

The workshop covers:

Permaculture design and site selection
Building layout
Landscaping to protect buildings
Integration of the building into the environment
Soil testing and materials selection
Foundations

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 ›

Walls
Openings – windows and doors
Roofs
Fastenings
Plasters and paints
Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

A short building design challenge

This course provides participants with the basic understanding and skills necessary to:
Assess a site for the appropriate application of natural and sustainable building.
Decide on appropriate natural material(s) to ensure a lower carbon footprint of a building.
Apply basic design and layout for the building to produce, capture and store available renewable
energy.
Test local materials for their suitability in a natural building.
Assemble and combine a variety of natural materials into a building.

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 Activities & workshops / SOUTH AFRICA

137
›
 ›

4
VOICES
Startupcycling intro /

In this chapter we hear the voices of some of the upcycling enthusiasts that we met and found
inspiring throughout the project. The different views and perspectives given highlight the
multitude of opportunities that upcycling can offer.
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 ›

“Upcycling is the creative

exclamation mark that has
the power to focus people
on the issue of waste
and get them to act.”
Startupcycling intro /

Alina, Bucharest
139
 ›

“Upcycling makes efficient use

of “waste” in a creative and
ecological way and teaches
Startupcycling intro /

others to do the same.”

B, Auroville
140
 ›
“Through utilizing
our inherent creativity we
are able to provide design
solutions for local spaces.
We use readily available
resources (once seen as
waste) to yield productive
human ecosystems.”
Startupcycling intro /

Calvin, Cape Town

141
 “The power of upcycling lies ›
in adding value to a waste
item that reached the end
of its lifecycle as we know
it (in a linear system). The
superpower of upcycling is the
limitless possibilities through
which we can transform waste
into new products.”
Startupcycling intro /

Patricia, Trento
142
 ›

“The power of upcycling

is in provoking thought.
When you upcycle, it’s more
of an art thing. As an artist
you create something
very beautiful and unique
Startupcycling intro /

from trash.
But many will do nothing
more than put trash together
with glue. “
Herve, Auroville
143
 ›
“Upcycling is a concept of
life. People who work with
upcycling see life and the
world around them in another
way. This new consciousness
about waste is capable of
improving the world through
the change it causes in each
person.”
Startupcycling intro /

Inah, Rio de Janeiro

144
 ›

“The power of upcycling

is that it modifies your
perception of whatever
is discarded and useless.
As such it’s symbolic. It
isn’t an end in itself. It’s
a creative statement of
an interim ecology when
Startupcycling intro /

the climax would be zero

waste.”

Johnny, Auroville
145
 “I’m a furniture designer ›
and upcycling represents
the ultimate way to
practice design. You start
from matter (waste) and
then develop the idea.
This is not the usual way
to practice design…. A
true upcycler – wants
and needs to be copied
Startupcycling intro /

because the ultimate goal

is to reduce waste!”

Marc, Auroville
146
 ›

“It teaches us to understand

waste as a resource and
it also teaches us that we
cannot upcycle everything
we produce and therefore
we should turn our way of
thinking from consumption to
reduction and avoidance.”
Startupcycling intro /

Mariola, Cieszyn
147
 ›

“I appreciate things that

are unique. I get drawn
to beauty. I have always
loved the concept of
transformation in alchemy.
Upcycling has all these
three qualities.”
Startupcycling intro /

Ok, Auroville
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 ›

“Upcycling helps people

to look at waste with a
different eye, giving it
a new life, and keeping
it out of landfill. It also
makes people more aware
of their buying habits. It
teaches us how to sustain
Startupcycling intro /

ourselves through turning

trash into cash.”

Roze, Cape Town

149
 ›

“The power of upcycling

is transformation.
It has the power to
transform waste, people
and the Earth.”
Startupcycling intro /

Tania, Cape Town

150
 ›

“We want to be part of

the solution and not part
of the problem.”
Startupcycling intro /

KUNST-STOFFE – Zentralstelle
für wiederverwendbare Materialien, Berlin
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 ›

5
TOOLS FOR UPCYCLING
Startupcycling intro /

This concluding chapter delves into the types of activities and theories behind upcycling as a
tool for youth engagement with green entrepreneurship and waste reduction. Finding ways of
turning our global waste problem into a sustainable and economically viable business is the
goal behind the StartUpcycling project and this eBook. We therefore finish by outlining some
useful steps that can help you to become a green entrepreneur through upcycling.
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 Startupcycling intro /

153
›
 5.1 Introduction ›
In this chapter we present some educational tools In the StartUpcycling project, we follow the
and methods to help young enthusiasts to realise principles of social and green entrepreneurship
their entrepreneurial potential and get their green rather than those of conventional entrepreneurship.
ideas off the ground. This means that an upcycling entrepreneur would
place emphasis on creating ‘better’ products rather
Raising awareness of the consequences of the than focusing solely on creating ‘more’. A Social
waste produced by societies worldwide is of Green Enterprise will of course also strive to make
Tools for Upcycling / 5.1 Introduction

paramount importance to ensuring a sustainable a profit but through actions intended to promote,
future. Working with young people presents a regenerate or sustain the wellbeing of society and
valuable opportunity through which to increase the natural environment. This is commonly referred
such awareness, change mindsets and highlight to as a triple bottom line; managing a business or
the importance of effectively addressing the issue enterprise according to social, environmental AND
of waste. The more we understand about the economic criteria.
impact that ignorant and wasteful living is having
on our planet, the more we realise the necessity of
bringing about change. This intrinsic motivation
to drive change plays a central role in starting
a new business. It requires a lot of patience and
perseverance that needs to be communicated
effectively from the outset.

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Tools for Upcycling / Introduction ›

Fig. - Triple Bottom Line, source: CC-by- 3.0 Triplebotline

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 ›
The tools that are discussed in this chapter should this chapter we present one best practice example to
not be taken as a comprehensive or exhaustive list render some of these theories more concrete.
for planning a Social Green Enterprise. However, If you want to find out more about the definitions
they provide a general overview for designing and principles of green enterprises, as well as
entrepreneurial ideas, or any other kind of project, further lessons relating to starting an upcycling
for people who have no prior experience of business, you can visit our eCourse.
entrepreneurship or management but have an idea
they would like to develop.
Tools for Upcycling / Introduction

We go through the process of business development

by first focusing on Idea Generation. The
identification of a clear Vision and Mission is a
useful step to clarify the business goals. So too is
the definition of a Value Proposition. We next dive
into the methodology of Business Modelling which
can be helpful for beginners and experts alike.
Networking is one of the most powerful tools in the
world of upcycling, a fact that encouraged us to
introduce the online mapping tool from our eCourse
that can provide a source of contacts. At the end of

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Tools for Upcycling / 5.2 Talking about Green Enterprises 5.2 Talking about green enterprises ›
Before we start brainstorming ideas for our future entrepreneurship is a business model that follows similar
businesses, it is important to clarify some distinctions principles to commercial entrepreneurship but with
between different types of entrepreneurial activities a focus on providing a solution to an environmental
and their goals. More specifically, it is important to issue such as climate change, loss of rainforests and
note the important differences between the more biodiversity or water pollution. In other words, green
typical commercial entrepreneurship and green entrepreneurship is a type of activity where the business
entrepreneurship. model serves as an instrument to solve an environmental
problem. The most important aspect is therefore not
Commercial entrepreneurship is mostly oriented towards generating products of higher value but generating a
generating profit. The goal of this type of business is the solution to the problem. The philosophy behind green
production of goods or services in order to generate entrepreneurship is that profit is not the final goal of the
higher revenue that is usually reinvested in the business business activity but acts as a means to achieve the final
or distributed between shareholders. However, in any goal of making our world a better place.
entrepreneurial activity, every entrepreneur should
aim to offer products and services of a higher quality To understand the differences between Commercial
than their competitors and care about their employees Enterprises and Social Green Enterprises, we can
by providing remuneration and favourable working consider the example of the different processes behind
conditions. The main goal of such a business is the focus the production of an industrial (non-organic, mass
on generating financial resources. market) egg and an organic egg.
Green entrepreneurship as part of Social

157
Tools for Upcycling / 5.2 Talking about Green Enterprises ›

Fig. 1 - Circular Economy model, source: European Parliament

The circular economy infographic above illustrates the pathway of a commercial product. You can use the
information contained within the infographic to identify the processes behind the production of an organic
egg compared to the industrial alternative. Fill in the gaps in the table on page ? to identify how the
organic process contrasts with the traditional industrial model.
158
Tools for Upcycling / 5.2 Talking about Green Enterprises ›
PHASE QUESTION INDUSTRIAL EGG ORGANIC EGG
(conventional business) (social business)

DESIGN What is the purpose of Large production of eggs

the conventional/ social to be distributed to an
business? extensive territory with
a high profit margin

PRODUCTION What inputs are Large closed spaces,

required to produce an crowded chickens,
industrial/ organic egg? processed food, high
production/ chicken

DISTRIBUTION What is the road Transportation over

from production to long distances, a large
consumption? network of distributors
and often plastic
packaging to protect
the eggs throughout the
extensive transportation
requirements

CONSUMPTION What selling points are Lower price, standard

emphasized? size, attractive
packaging

159
Tools for Upcycling / 5.2 Talking about Green Enterprises ›
PHASE QUESTION INDUSTRIAL EGG ORGANIC EGG
(conventional business) (social business)

COLLECTING/ What waste it Often plastic packaging,

generates? food chemicals that
RECYCLING
can damage soil and
watercourses

IMPACT How does it contribute Large production of

to the community? How eggs at low prices that
does it treat animals? are distributed on large
territories. Focus on
production rather than
on the livelihood of
the chickens or on the
nutritious qualities of the
egg, use of drugs that
can impact the quality of
the egg and, ultimately,
human health.

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 5.3 Idea generation ›
Every business starts with an idea. Every successful That is why our task is to:
business idea focuses on offering either a solution
to some social or environmental issue or the Focus on a key issue that is relevant to society or
satisfaction of customer needs. A great tool to help
frame an initial idea is problem tree analysis. 1 to a group of people who would be your potential
clients. Identify such a problem and note it down at
Tools for Upcycling / 5.3 Idea Generation

the top of a sheet of flipchart paper;

Task: Problem Tree Analysis

2
Problem tree analysis is generally used to identify Once you have defined the key problem, try to
the negative aspects of an existing situation and think of at least three root causes. Write them
establish the cause-effect relationship between (root below the key problem on your flipchart paper and
causes of) the problems identified. connect them with arrows (as shown in the example
below);

3
Think of some more specific problems that lead to
the causes you defined in the 2nd stage. Try to find
at least 3 for each and write them below the 2nd
line before connecting them with arrows (as shown
in the example below).

161
 Tools for Upcycling / 5.3 Idea Generation

162
›
 5.4 Vision and mission ›
Vision statements and mission statements are idea can offer a wider solution, be it in the arena of
complementary to one another and together they waste reduction or any other social or environmental
are the core of any business, organisation or problem. In this regard, it is helpful to think of the future
project. Nonetheless, they have different purposes. and imagine what kind of company you want to be, or
Tools for Upcycling / 5.4 Vision and Mission

While the mission statement describes the current what you would like your surrounding environment to
situation of a business and what it is doing now, the be like, in 10, 20 or even 30 years time.
vision statement sets up a future scenario of where
the business wants to be. Elements of both mission Examples of some vision statements:
and vision statements are often combined to provide
a statement of the company’s purposes, goals and “There will be a personal computer on every desk
values. running Microsoft software” (Bill Gates).

What is a vision? “Toyota will lead the way to the future of mobility,
Any type of activity has an aim and purpose. If enriching lives around the world with the safest and
you think about a business idea from a green most responsible ways of moving people.” (Toyota)
enterprise standpoint, the final aim should not only
be that of generating profit. If you think only about
money, your business and its products will not have “To be Earth’s most customer-centric company,
any added value for potential customers. Instead, where customers can find and discover anything
it is useful to think about how you your business they might want to buy online” (Amazon Inc.)

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 ›
Vision statements answer the questions of WHERE You can expand on your vision by writing detailed
you want to be and WHAT achieving your final goal answers to the following questions:
will look like. It should be long-term oriented; once
you achieve your vision there is no reason for your Who does your business help?
Tools for Upcycling / 5.4 Vision and Mission

business to exist! Therefore, you need to formulate What is the purpose of your business?
your vision clearly from the outset and not make any How do you want to make the world a better place
serious changes. with your business?
What problems does your business solve?
What is the ultimate aim of your business?
Task: Defining your vision statement
At this stage you will have collated a tonne of
To make your vision statement effective, try to information. Work through everything you have
describe a clear and bright future. Make your collected, and discard any information/ideas that
goals achievable and ensure that the statement is are not absolutely core to your business. Remember
memorable for a wide audience. Be sure to include that anything you discard can still be used to form
the values and culture of your business. your business plan. After you have finished this step,
you will have an outline for your vision statement.

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 ›
Tips: Who will benefit from this?
Why do you do that?
Use short words and sentences to keep the
statement engaging. Here are a few examples of mission statements:
Tools for Upcycling / 5.4 Vision and Mission

Limit yourself to concrete ideas and simple language.

Focus on what your business does for others - how
you will help your customers and inspire your “We want to engage in sustainable business while
employees. making fair and environmentally-friendly products
Ask people for feedback and see how they react to for our customers.” (Vaude)
your vision statement – was it easy to understand or is
it too complicated? “Our mission is to offer upcycled alternatives to
traditional home decor, jewelry and fashion as a
What is a mission? way to reduce global waste.” (Hipcycle)
While the vision statement points to your future
perspective, the mission statement describes the steps “Heal the environment through creative reuse and
you will take to reach your vision. In other words, raise awareness about upcycling raw materials and
your mission answers the questions: repurposing usable goods.” (Remainders)

What do you do today?

For whom do you do it?

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 ›
Task: Defining your mission statement

To formulate an effective mission statement,

describe the purpose of your company. This will
Tools for Upcycling / 5.4 Vision and Mission

include the kind of business are you undertaking,

the type of products or services you will offer
to the market and the people you envisage
becoming your clients.

With your vision statement to hand, ask yourself,

“what must I do to make this happen?” Mission
statements tend to be customer-focused, so
another way of asking the question is, “what must
I do for my customers to make this vision become
a reality?” It is useful to write your mission
statement down and ask the others for feedback.

166
 5.5 Value proposition ›
In order to make your business successful from the
very start, you should be clear about who your
clients are, why they would buy your product and
why you are providing a better product than your
competitors. Since consumers buy not just goods, but
Tools for Upcycling / 5.5 Value Proposition

values, your potential client must be informed of the

kind of values you are offering. Value proposition is
therefore a promise of value that will be delivered to
your client.

Upcycling products are linked to a lot of values your

products can carry. These could include, for example,
‘sustainability’, ‘caring for the Earth’ or ‘animal
protection’. The more clearly you communicate these
values, the more people you will reach.

The following exercise helps to identify the values a

business may represent.

167
 Values can include: ›
Accountability/Accuracy/Achievement/Adventurousness/Altruism/Ambition/
Assertiveness/Balance/Being the best/Belonging/Boldness/Calmness/Carefulness/
Challenge/Cheerfulness/Clear-mindedness/Commitment/Community/Compassion/
Competitiveness/Consistency/Contentment/Continuous Improvement/Contribution/
Control/Cooperation/Correctness/Courtesy/Creativity/Curiosity/Decisiveness/
Democracyticness/Dependability/Determination/Excellence/Excitement/Expertise/
Tools for Upcycling / 5.5 Value Proposition

Exploration/Expressiveness/Fairness/Faith/Family-orientededness/Fidelity/Fitness/
Fluency/Focus/Freedom/Fun/Generosity/Goodness/Grace/Growth/Happiness/
Hard Work/Health/Helping Society/Holiness/Honesty/Honour/Humility/
Independence/Ingenuity/Inner Harmony/Inquisitiveness/Insightfulness/Intelligence/
Intellectual Status/Intuition/Perfection/Piety/Positivity/Practicality/Preparedness/
Professionalism/Prudence/Quality-orientation/Reliability/Resourcefulness/Restraint/
Results-oriented/Rigor/Security/Self-actualization/Self-control/Selflessness/Self-
reliance/Sensitivity/Serenity/Service/Shrewdness/Simplicity/Soundness/Speed/
Spontaneity/Stability/Strategic/Strength/Structure/Success/Support/Teamwork/
Temperance/Diversity/Dynamism/Economy/Effectiveness/Efficiency/Elegance/
Empathy/Enjoyment/Enthusiasm/Equality/Love/Loyalty/Making a difference/
Mastery/Merit/Obedience/Openness/Order/Originality/Patriotism/Tolerance/
Traditionalism/Trustworthiness/Truth-seeking/Understanding/Uniqueness/Unity/
Usefulness/Vision/Vitality/Devoutness/Diligence/Discipline/Discretion/Joy/Justice/
Leadership/Legacy/Thankfulness/Thoroughness/Thoughtfulness/Timeliness

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 ›
Task: Sun of Values 2. Freedom to discover new things
(A value that motivated you to think about starting
Enter your important personal and professional your planned activity or your own business)
values at the end of the rays of sun on the following
template. Take some time to think about these values. 3. Friendship
Tools for Upcycling / 5.5 Value Proposition

When you have placed your values in the rays of (A value easily incorporated into your business idea,
sun, choose five that are the most important to you as you want to realize it with your friends)
and make sure that these are linked to the activity/ Independence
business idea you have planned. (You know that you really want to start slowly in the
Ask yourself which of these values are particularly morning)
important to you in the context of your work
environment? 5. Reliability
For example: 1 – 5 with 1 being the most important (An important value that you still want to work on.
but what about the other 4? You also want others to live it)

Example of such a hierarchy:

1. Family-oriented
(a “super value” for you that needs to be considered
regardless of the activity or business planned)

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 Tools for Upcycling / 5.5 Value Proposition

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›
 5.6 Business modelling ›
Once you have identified your customers and have for designing the process and resources needed to
an idea of your vision and mission, you can draw create value for the customer.
a picture of what your business will look like. The
Business Model Canvas is a strategic management The exercise can be done in small groups of four or
Tools for Upcycling / 5.6 Business Modelling

template for developing business models with individually depending on the group size you are
organisational components and activities that working with. We recommend working in groups
create and capture value. It contains nine basic or at least in pairs to help make the brainstorming
building blocks that explain the fundamentals and development of ideas more fun and effective.
of your business. The Business Model Canvas is
widely used by beginners as well as experienced Once the participants have been organised into
players in business and management. The value groups, you can distribute the Canvas template
proposition and the customers form the basis of the (preferably on A3 paper). Alternatively, you can
model. save paper by providing the participants with a
link to the digital version (https://canvanizer.com/
choose-canvas). Give the groups some time to let
Task: The Business Model Canvas them have a look at the segments on the template.

The following exercise is based on the “Business

Model Generation” by Alexander Osterwalder &
Yves Pigneur and provides us with a useful tool

171
Tools for Upcycling / 5.6 Business Modelling ›

Fig. - Business Model Canvas, source: CC-BY-SA-1.0, DLougheed

172
 ›
Once the groups have had time to look at the 4. Customer Relationships: identify different types of
template, guide them through the following steps: relationships that you would like to establish with your
customers, or the relationships your clients would expect
The template consists of nine main parts that need to you to establish (5 min).
Tools for Upcycling / 5.6 Business Modelling

be filled in. The Business Model Canvas should be 5. Revenue Streams: list the ways you will generate
completed in a specific order. Your task is to follow profit/cash for your business (how and what the
the correct order and brainstorm the questions posed customer will pay for) (5 min).
in each block. These will help to lead to the idea 6. Key Resources: list all the necessary resources
generation. (human, material, know-how) you need to make the
business model work for you (5 min).
7. Key Activities: list the most important things your
1. Customer Segments: indicate your target customer(s) company must undertake to create value (what are you
– groups of people or organisations you want to reach going to do in your business) (5 min).
and satisfy with your product/service (5 min). 8. Key Partners: mention the main partners and
2. Value Proposition: indicate the specific value that suppliers who are key elements required for your
your products or services create for your customer (5 business model to work; identify which important
min). activities they each perform (5 min).
3. Channels: list different ways in which your company 9. Cost Structure: describe all kinds of expenses
will communicate with customers and raise awareness for your business and rank them according to their
about your products and services (5 min). financial consumption (5 min).

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 ›
After having completed the Canvas, the templates
produced by the groups can be displayed on the
walls of the room. Additionally, you could also
organise an elevator pitch where each team presents
Tools for Upcycling / 5.6 Business Modelling

their business model in a 3-minute presentation

and gets feedback from the other participants. They
should clearly point out the waste materials they will
use and the values they want to promote as a green
business.

To explain the various aspects discussed thus far

more clearly, we will present the business model
by Wunderkraft, an upcycling business based in
Romania, as a best practice example in the section
titled ‘Best Practice’ below.

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 5.7 Networking ›
We encourage young green entrepreneurs to
undertake research within their surroundings in
order to connect with other entrepreneurs and find
supporters and networks. The following exercise is
also useful to let participants reflect on their local
surroundings.
Tools for Upcycling / 5.7 Networking

The online mapping project developed by

StartUpcycling (accessible through our eCourse)
offers a useful resource for all kinds of sustainable
enterprises and initiatives in the field of upcycling.
It is open source and can be used for all sorts of
sustainable mapping purposes. You can easily
make new entries, leave comments and adjust
past entries. The more hashtags like #upcycling or
#startupcycling you leave, the easier it is to connect
with others. The ‘mapping for good’ tool is made for
people like us to be more visible as upcyclers as well
as to explore new places and people.

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 ›
Task: Online Mapping Does the map show an upcycling startup in your
region?
In order to link the online mapping exercise Do you know of an enterprise or initiative that
to the entrepreneurial ideas discussed in this you would like to add?
chapter, you can ask the following questions
(directly or for discussion in small groups): Afterwards, the participants can think about the
process of founding and developing their startup:
Tools for Upcycling / 5.7 Networking

How do people you know generate an income How would this enterprise make profit to sustain
and what do they generate income for? the people who are solving problems for the
How do they spend their income? community? How does this enterprise have an
Which enterprises make the biggest profits in impact while making profit?
your region?
Which NGOs and other organisations work The exercise can be connected with excursions,
in your region in order to solve social and interviews or even treasure hunts using the online
ecological problems? map. It encourages direct interaction between
Do you know people engaging in social projects young people and experienced entrepreneurs
in their free time while working in other jobs? that could even result in mentoring or job-
shadowing opportunities.
After having introduced the online map and its
functions, you can continue with these questions: Our aim is to keep populating the map with

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 ›
additional hashtags such as #internship in order
to create a platform that facilitates connecting
and networking between those searching for
assistance with developing an idea and those
in need of opportunities.
Tools for Upcycling / 5.7 Networking

177
 5.8 Best practice example ›
Entrepreneurial inspirations To help you get a clearer idea of what constitutes a
There are many great upcyclers in the world. Most successful upcycling business, we provide you with
of the time, however, it is challenging for them to three different examples that exemplify the diversity
Tools for Upcycling / 5.8 Best Practice Example

establish a sustainable business as their income of upcycling business models out there:
is very dependent on the presence of a market
through which to sell their goods. Unfortunately When considering some best-practice models,
most markets will be made up of people who
may have never heard of upcycling, nor of the
importance it plays in waste reduction. It is
1 we would like to introduce you to the enterprise
‘Wunderkraft’. The team participated in some of
our activities and meetings and proved that they
therefore much more complicated and difficult to are a very professional, successful and green
find a way to make these businesses accessible and upcycling business.
attractive to customers.
Wunderkraft is a Romanian support platform for
With our StartUpcycling project, we want to the community of artisans and social enterprises
emphasise that anyone can start to upcycle. Eco- active in upcycling. Their mission is to promote
designers, educators, promoters and awareness responsible production and consumption while
raisers are all trying to show this in various ways supporting green entrepreneurship among artisans
worldwide. They are involved both with distribution and makers in order to produce eco-design objects.
and awareness, making it easier for anyone to
learn something new and eco-friendly. Alina Blaga, one of the managers, joined

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StartUpcycling to share her expertise and to learn knowledge in the field of waste reduction. Thanks
from the other upcyclers worldwide. She introduced to their extensive network in the multicultural town,
us to the high quality products they create in the they can participate in various events and create
Tools for Upcycling / 5.8 Best Practice Example

network of ‘Wunderkraft’. upcycling products for these purposes.

You can browse through their Canvas Business
Model to find out more: Click here! They do not want to expand their business nor send
their products overseas in order to avoid the CO2
WasteLess, a StartUpcycling partner organisation, emissions associated with transportation. Their local

2
introduced us to Marc and OK, two designers
working on Upcycling in a studio based in the
online platform offered to set them up with an online
shop for their products. As they do not currently
multicultural city of Auroville (South India). They are have the capacity to invest in marketing, this form of
enthusiastic about reusing materials and creating the dissemination and public relation is a big support.
most amazing sculptures, furniture or anything you
could imagine. Thanks to the alternative economic and community-
based model of the town of Auroville, they
During this project over the past two years, they experience financial and social support. Upcycling
worked on their focus and business models of Studio Auroville is a great example to demonstrate
their upcycling studio. They decided to place more that sales, marketing and networking can all be
emphasis on education and began teaching students done locally and through the support of a local
and volunteers to equip them with design skills and community.

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Kunst-Stoffe – Central Department for Reusable If you are interested you can find examples of other

3
Materials e.V. is a non-profit organisation based
in Berlin. The goal of Kunst-Stoffe is to collect and
best practice models in Chapter 2 of our eCourse.
Browse through the many examples of businesses
Tools for Upcycling / 5.8 Best Practice Example

store Berlin’s residual waste to then resell it to and organisations from Brazil, India, South Africa,
interested parties. The supposed ‘waste’ materials Greece, Romania, Poland, Italy and Germany.
are unused or rarely used and in good shape.
They are donated by hardware stores, workmen,
organisations, expositions and private people and
stored in a big house. Artists, educational institutions
people interested in DIY and people interested in
the organisation more generally come and buy the
materials for a fraction of their original price.

The business model is not for profit but shows that

trash is cash!

—-

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Want to find out what happens next?
Follow us on Facebook and visit our blog on the
website to stay tuned.
If you’ve enjoyed this book and like our project,
would you consider rating it on Facebook?
We are looking forward to your feedback.
Tools for Upcycling / Introduction

We are eager to further connect with people

from all over the world who share the same
interest and passion to empower youth and
refuse waste at the same time.
Contact us and join our network!
[email protected]
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IMPRINT Content and Editing:
Ribhu Vohra, Teresa Wald, Mukta Martens and
The provider of this booklet is Starkmacher e.V.: partners.
Starkmacher e.V. Design:
Coblitzallee 8 Matteo Carli and Elena Guglielmotti
68163 Mannheim Liability note:
Germany The information provided in this eBook is constituted
Tel: +49 (0) 621 4960 2693 with great diligence. All information, expressed or
Fax: +49 (0) 621 4960 2694 implied, is given without legal liability.

E-Mail: info(at)starkmacher.eu
Internet: www.starkmacher.eu
Legally liable:
Chairman: Mathias Kaps
Vice chairmen: Christian Röser and Johannes
Epping

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Legal note:
If the eBook contains links or references of providers
other than the Starkmacher association, then
any of the other provider’s propositions are not
covered by the herein enclosed company-specific
information and references. Without our expressed
written permission, it is prohibited to redistribute
or reproduce in any way parts of the contents.
Furthermore, the rights for reproduction in any form,
especially for print, electronic and other media
remain reserved.

The project “StartUpcycling” is realized with the

financial support of the Erasmus+ Programme of the
European Union.

“StartUpcycling” is licensed under a Creative Commons

Attribution - Share Alike 4.0 International License
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