Why upcycling is so important

I have built my business around the idea that old can be just as good as new, if not better! I’m passionate about reducing the waste and never using unnecessary materials. The sad reality is that England have a recycling rate of 44%, meaning the other 56% is thrown into landfill to sit there for a very, very, VERY long time. Modern costume jewellery is largely made up of plastics. Plastics can take 500 years to biodegrade naturally! Our plastic use is growing astronomically, and our world is becoming overrun by plastic. To put it into perspective, in the 1950s, about 2 million tonnes of plastic were created each year. In 2015, 350 million tonnes were created…

It's no secret that our waste is becoming a huge problem for the environment, but the fact is often swept under the rug where we can ignore it in hopes it will just magically disappear. We cannot keep filling holes in the ground with piles of rubbish. Not only do they destroy land, scenery and habitats for wildlife, but landfills also release harmful toxins and greenhouse gases. It can feel overwhelming when your contribution seems to make little difference to such a mammoth issue, but if we all chip in, we can make a serious impact on the world! I’m going to share with you some of the ways I reduce my own waste and then some of the ways you can also go green!

Upcycling

I buy house clearances mainly as my source of second-hand goods. These are big boxes filled with items people don’t want anymore. Instead of them ending up in a landfill, they are brought to me where they are given a chance to start anew! Sometimes, parts of old jewellery need to be replaced. For example, a broken fastener or the need for new hooks on earrings. Using new materials is not entirely avoidable so don’t feel bad if you still find yourself using some new things. Here are some examples of my reimagined jewellery:

Surplus

Surplus is a great way to help the environment, soften the blow on your piggy bank, and still get that ‘new’ feeling. I source my leather from surplus which means the supplier has made slightly too much material than needed or the pieces are cut offs and are not usable for their intended purpose. These pieces of material are usually sold off cheap (as the supplier has no other need for them). If they don’t sell, they will most likely be thrown out and wasted, even though there is nothing wrong with them.

What can you do?

Support eco friendly businesses

There are loads of businesses in 2022, big and small, that are making the effort to go green. Whether that be going plastic free or being carbon negative. Look out for these types of brands when shopping. Dodging brands that damage the environment will hopefully urge them to make some changes as well.

Ditching single use plastics

Shopping bags, plastic packaging, straws and even plastic cutlery all contributes to the wider problem. Some reports have show that up to 50% of our 380 million tonnes of plastic each year is for single use. How scary is that? Around 190 million tonnes of plastic that is going to be used once. Instead, place these items with reusable ones such as metal straws, your own shopping bag and as I mentioned before, opt for the brands with plastic-free packaging.

Steer away from fast fashion

Fast fashion is notoriously bad quality. Although that tiny price tag might seem pretty tempting, the truth is, you get what you pay for. Fast fashion brands use low quality materials and craftsmanship. They’re often stitched together in minutes and designed to be disposed of next season. This is how they get you coming back for more which ultimately leads to a big pile of waste. Instead, treat yourself to more quality brands. Of course I’m not asking you to spend amounts that you can’t afford but where you can, buy items that you know you won’t have to replace in less than a year.

Don’t throw your old things away

Lastly, remember that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Before throwing away old items, consider selling them on to a new home. It’s a win for the environment and your pockets! Why not take on a new project and upcycle some of your old clothes and jewellery yourself? Old things do not need to be destined for the bin.

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Thank you for reading! – Trine x