BDR Waste Partnership

Upcycling is a new approach to reducing waste in order to improve the environment and help save the planet. It means giving objects a makeover to transform them into something completely different so they can continue to be used as long as possible. It is this month’s focus in the Re-use Revolution campaign to cut waste being run by the Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham (BDR) Waste Partnership and Renewi, the firm behind the award-winning waste treatment facility at Manvers. Community Education Liaison Officer, Abi Reid, who is based at Manvers, said the idea could be a bit daunting at first but help and inspiration was on hand. “Upcycling is an additional way of reducing, re-using and recycling.  It gives a second life and a new function to clothing, furniture, old pots and pans, jars, tins and many more items. “Around 22 million pieces of furniture are thrown away every year in the UK, much of which could be re-used.  It can be given a new lease of life by re-upholstering, painting it a new colour or something as simple as changing the handles. “Unwanted clothes can be upcycled into something new, for example a top and skirt out of a dress, a bag from a skirt and a tablet sleeve from denim jeans. “There is lots of information and a whole host of ideas out there to get you started.  For upcycling clothing inspiration go to www.loveyourclothes.org.uk where there are tips and even a tutorial on how to upcycle last year’s festive jumper instead of buying a new one.” The Re-use Revolution aims to cut waste in South Yorkshire by encouraging people to reduce, re-use, recycle, and now upcycle as much as possible.  Targets have included plastic bags and packaging, food, beauty products, clothing, nappies and single use drinks containers.