Upcycling

Upcycling is when you take something that is no longer in use and give it a new life and a new function! Many times this involves using trash to create something practical, valuable and beautiful. This could include artworks, DIY home appliances, something mechanical, etc.

Upcycling in my school

I have been studying in Pearson College United World College in Canada for the past year and sustainability and environmental protection is one of the most important aims of the UWC movement. Since my campus is located in the middle of a forest and right by the bay, the faculty and students make sure to keep the production of waste to a minimum. In addition, we do our part to clean up the waste we find both on land and in the water.

Being a part of the Marine Science course at my school, I have participated in multiple beach clean ups and collected a lot of trash from all the beaches in the area. Being involved in these environmental activities, I was introduced to a student-led organization at my school called Precious Plastics. I think that their idea of creating treasure out of trash really fits the theme of upcycling and I want to share it with everyone.

Precious Plastics

The Precious Plastics project aims not only to reduce the overall plastic waste on campus, but also to fight marine plastic production, through the recycling and reuse of old plastic material. A part of their goal is to raise awareness about plastic pollution issues worldwide. They recycle and upcycle the plastic that students pick up from beaches and produce on campus using machines made by the Precious Plastic organization in Netherlands and partially purchased using a grant from the Ocean Heroes Network.

The process involves melting and molding plastic, and upcycling it into reusable containers, bowls, cups, etc. These products are then put for sale, and the proceeds are used to maintain the school facility and finance student-run initiatives.

This program is aiding in cleaning up the beaches of  Victoria, promoting sustainability to the students and other members of the community, and preserving the environment of British Columbia!

Sources and references

https://oceanheroeshq.com/precious-plastics-recycling-plastic-into-a-reusable-future/

https://www.pearsoncollege.ca/