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Upcycling: Thematic Report May

by Sandhya Adhikari | 05-06-2021 12:39 recommendations 0

 
In the recent year, The implications of environmental degradation have a manifold radius. To confront the environmental concerns, multihued holistic approach has been initiated in the current time that propels the way to sustainability. Except for three R¡¯s of the environment that is Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, upcycling is yet to be incorporated in the mainstream approach.Up cycling refers to the creative reuse of disposable materials or waste products into something of greater artistic or with ecofriendly value. It is the art of creating the object of greater value from the object of least value. The same waste which become pollutants if thrown away are turned into meaningful and usable products through upcycling.
At a time when waste management is a major concern  in the country, many eco-conscious entrepreneurs are coming up with upcycling businesses and positioning it as a creative and sustainable solution to the problem. Adding an aesthetic value, upcycling companies such as Dhaasoo, Sagarmatha Pencil Udhyog, Taalo, Upcycle Nepal, Shailee Craft, Ecoorb Ventures, Tyre Treasures, etc. have garnered a good level of attention for the emerging eco-friendly and financially rewarding business in Nepal and reducing the daily wastes. These companies are producing different value added goods such as lamps, chairs, home decor, ornaments, souvenirs, etc. They clean, cut, modify, design and decorate discarded items and waste materials to create new products. Creating value and money from waste is itself one impactful aspect of the upcycling business. Representing Nepal, here I have described about some upcycling companies in Nepal and their products.

Lahana Paper Crafts  

It has been found that Paper makes a lot of household and commercial waste. Although discarded in landfills, much of this is actually recyclable a can have the high value. This is founded by Ramita Maharjan. She has learned about recycling of the paper items into the valuable ones during her under graduated days.  She learnt to turn discarded paper into baskets and jewellery, and today, the company itself employs women and reduces paper waste in the city. At Lahana, the non valuable items which finds its place at landfill after used such as newspapers, magazines, school books, invitation cards, calendars, brochures and comic books are transformed into colourful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pens, even laundry baskets. Isn¡¯t it so surprising? The discarded paper is gathered and shredded into strips, and rolls of paper are turned into ¡®beads¡¯ and attached to metal pieces, or woven into baskets and this work are carried out by the marginalized whom for which they are paid with some cashes. Like any other upcycling business, Lahana Paper Crafts also faces difficulties in convincing customers to buy its products. Many in Kathmandu still doubt the durability of the products, even though they are sturdy. Besides, it is the thought of being less wasteful that counts.
Lahana paper art

Tatwa: 
Tatwa means ¡®element¡¯ in Nepali, and the venture is all about focusing on the importance of understanding waste as a resource that has lost utility in its present form. Data shows that, in the last fiscal year, Nepal has imported 10 million bottles of alcohol. While some of them are recycled, many cannot be rebottled in Nepal and end up as shards of glass on the banks of rivers and around landfill sites. So, Tatwa came up with the concept to take unrecyclable imported beer, wine and liquor bottles and converts them into candle holders, drinking glasses, tumblers, glass containers and even toothpick holders. Tatwa has so far upcycled over 6,000 imported bottles collected from households, restaurants and hotels around the country.  tatwaa
 
Dhaasoo 
Dhaasoo was established in 2015. Dhaasoo is Bollywood movie slang that roughly translates to ¡®daami¡¯ in Nepali or ¡®awesome¡¯ in English. Dhaasoo has upcycled everything from glass bottles to cans, car parts and even cars, Dhaasoo has upcycled and sold them all. It has upcycled hookahs, lamps, planters, book shelves and even a desk made from an Eco Sport car.Dhaasoo
 
My approaches for Upcycling:
I had been reusing glass bottle to make some decorative items, planting money plants and reusing plastics bottles to plant some indoor herbs. The waste paper are used to make some decorative items like flowers in my room, the threads are used to make dream catcher. My mother has created a mat for my room by collecting the noodles, biscuits and chips wrappers. My mom tries to make some dresses for me by using her old saries. I am also trying my best to adopt the habit of upcycling in daily basis. 
Dream catcherMat with plastic wrappers
Upcycling bottles
References:
 

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  • Dormant user Sandhya Adhikari
 
 
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4 Comments

  • Yuseon Mentor says :
    Hi Sandhya,

    This is your mentor Yuseon:D

    Thanks for sharing upcycling companies and activities in your nation.
    They all look cool and interesting.
    I also was fasniated with the use of papers and how they can change itself into various new decorative products. Hope it would become wider and more efficient!

    Thanks for sharing:)
    Keep up the good work!
    Posted 26-06-2021 01:44

  • Debbie Mentor says :
    Hi Sandhya,

    This is your mentor Debbie. :)

    After reading your article I feel like I know very little about upcycling xD The cases you introduced are so innovative! And I love the mat made by your mother. It??s so big and colorful. It seems like your family is really hands-on practicing upcycling already.

    Thanks for introducing to us some creative ideas about upcycling. Can??t wait to read your article in June too. :)

    Green Cheers,
    Debbie
    Posted 08-06-2021 22:00

  • tatuli kvaratskhelia says :
    Very interesting to hear about all these businesses and also your experience as well!
    Posted 08-06-2021 19:21

Elina  Haber

  • Elina Haber says :
    Thanks for sharing!
    Posted 08-06-2021 00:25

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