The Storque - Comments for article: Upcycling for Greener Living

I think the k

2007-09-05T20:07:02-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

I think the key here, as with anything else, is knowledge. The more informed a consumer you are, the more likely you are to make wise choices. I watched a documentary a few months back on PBS, called China Blue, that did undercover research into the actual conditions in some blue jean factories in China. Just having those images in the back of my head while I'm out at someplace like Target helps to keep me from buying things I might have a few years ago. It's a delicate balance... it's easy to say, oh because this is handmade or made from recycled or eco-friendly materials it's okay. And yes, it IS a million times better than something mass-produced, but even then there's still a limit to how much stuff one person can need or even WANT.

Thanks for th

2007-09-06T11:29:33-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

Thanks for this article. I've been thinking about how the DIY craft trend and the resurgence of knitting are fitting in with our society's tendency for materialism. Although this may sound negative, what I read on many blogs is a seemingly justified re-enforcement of materialism. There's a lot of "Oh, it's so cute, I must have it." Although I prefer and enjoy buying from the maker, one has to wonder the 'ecological footprint' of buying something from another continent. True, you can focus on buying from your area, but many sites like Etsy are helping to buy internationally. Both good and bad. Good because you get to appreciate international talent. Anyway, it's something I am working through.

Thanks for th

2007-09-08T02:15:16-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

Thanks for the great article. I'd encourage readers to see the diversity of etsyians thinking green and upcycling by searching tags such as 'trashion' for the Etsy Trashion street team. Our 100-plus members use found, discarded, used, disposable and secondhand items and turn them into something new. Thanks for all the great links and info in your thorough and thoughtful article.

Excellent art

2007-09-10T14:31:54-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

Excellent article! I'm a big fan of using as much repurposed stuff as I can--if nothing else, trying to prolong the lifecycle of an item in a useful way. (To add on to what SweetyPrize mentioned, other terms that I have used and seen used for tags are repurposed and recycled.)

Great article

2007-09-14T15:44:55-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

Great article and thanks for the useful links and resources! I've always loved to repurpose materials into "art" and have gotten mixed response. I finally see people coming around and it's great. Oh, one thing we just did at my home (if you are in the New England Area) you can switch your electric service from NStar or Nat. Grid to pull your own electrical service from only solar and wind sources - The program is called New England GreenStart and it only costs a few dollars more a month than our typical electric bill! (Just think if everyone did this?)

I make all my

2007-10-22T17:42:47-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

I make all my collages from papers meant for the trash or vintage magazines and texts...upcycling through art. I see many other Etsy sellers doing the same with journals, gift tags, even clothing...Maybe Etsy should create a new category called "Upcycling." That would really encourage others to reuse!

I agree with

2007-10-30T14:09:53-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

I agree with the first comment-even with beautiful handmade things, there has to be a limit to how much you have! I think people just need to be more aware of what they're buying, tiny simple little things like buying things in glass bottles or jars instead of plastic help because then they are strong enough to be reused. I use mine to store homemade cosmetics, and Nutella jars make good tumblers if you clean them and take the labels off. I think we all need to go back to a much more organic lifestyle with more of a "make do and mend" mentality rather than a "oh well, it will get recycled" one.

There's a For

2008-01-02T17:09:38-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

There's a Forum thread I'm trying to keep 'alive', with a link to the storyofstuff.com , an amazing, informative 'movie' and website about...stuff, recycling, and our planet. I think everyone who watches this 20 minute 'movie', will feel forever changed (for the better)!

mamazakka,

2008-02-13T13:31:57-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

mamazakka, thanks for the tip. I contacted Annie Leonard and we're inviting her to do an online workshop with us in the Virtual Labs as part of our book/media club.

This is an ex

2008-04-20T15:38:48-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

This is an extremely important and thought-provoking article. Pointing out the basic differences between recycling and upcycling has reinforced some of my desire to make living green more integrated into our lives. I was very pleased and surprised to find my Kae1Crafts reconstructed white top as one of your picture selections. Thanks for including my item in you great article. Kae of Kae1Crafts and Kae1Supplies

This article

2008-07-03T15:15:57-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

This article inforces my beliefs that going 'green' does not only mean buying green household cleaning products but actually reducing your waste and consumption. For me going 'green' means reporposing and recrafting... thanks

Great article

2009-10-23T15:10:54-05:00

From article: Upcycling for Greener Living

Great article, important points! I think this site offers so many opportunities for up-cycling and every bit helps!