Upcycle Newcastle and the circular economy

A sign (made out of bread bag ties) saying Start where you, Use what you have, Do what you can

The circular economy creates a loop by keeping resources and products in circulation for as long as possible. It extends the life cycle of products in many ways including:

  • Sign made our of bread bag ties saying, These we throw a lot away, but where exactly is away?
    Upcycling
  • Repairing
  • Reusing
  • Sharing
  • Leasing
  • Recycling.

The traditional linear economic approach is becoming increasingly unsustainable – environmentally and socially. It leads to more and more waste by going along a straight line of: 

  • Taking 
  • Making 
  • Consuming 
  • Throwing away.

Rather than keep stuff in circulation, the liner approach relies on large quantities of cheap, easily accessible materials and energy. It is made worse by planned obsolescence where products have been designed to have a limited lifespan and encourage consumers to buy it again. (Just look at fast fashion!)

The circular economy, on the other hand, aims to keep waste to a minimum. When a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible. These can be productively used again and again, thereby creating further value.

By using discarded clothing and textile items, Upcycle Newcastle is part of the circular economy. In creating new items from old, we are reducing the demand on new resources as well as saving waste going to landfill.

When you support us by buying our products, coming to our workshops or becoming a member, you are helping us continue our work in raising awareness, teaching practical skills and providing alternatives that strengthen the circular economy.