The Riches of Repurposing
Article by Madeline L.
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The Power of the Three R’s
For those who are unaware of the three R’s, they’re Recycle, Repurpose, and Reduce. While all are important in slowing down the ever-worsening effects of climate change, here are a few ways to properly repurpose, and maybe even have fun doing it.
Repurposing clothes, for example, is becoming increasingly popular, especially with fashion influencers creating series about “upcycling” their wardrobe. In the age of fast fashion, this trend is huge. Instead of throwing away clothes that are no longer “it girl fashion,” repurposing them can be a fun and creative way to help the planet.
According to the UNEP, “11% of plastic waste comes from clothing and textiles, making it the 3rd biggest contributor,” and 2–8% of global greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the textile sector. However, they also say that “doubling the lifespan of clothing could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44 percent.” But this requires a global effort, which means everyone has to try, no matter how small the action.
Fashion with a Purpose
I, for one, found an old plain black shirt in the back of my closet that I hadn’t worn in years, so I decided to cut it into strips halfway and knot them together to form a sort of net design. I keep getting compliments on it! The feeling you get when someone says, “Oh my god, you made that!?” is almost as rewarding as knowing you’re making a (small, but still helpful) difference.
You can make fashion out of other things that might get thrown out, too. For instance, bottle tabs (with the right tutorial) can make for some awesome jewelry—necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or even keychains. Another jewelry item I’ve made is paper beads. All you need is some scrap paper cut into long, stretched-out triangles. Simply roll the paper around something like a toothpick, from the wider side to the narrow tip, and glue it in place. These make great Mother’s Day gifts (kind of like a more advanced macaroni necklace), and I’ve made a few for myself as well.
Arts, Crafts, and Creative Waste Reduction
If fashion isn’t your thing, general arts and crafts can also be a fun hobby and a productive way to reduce both your waste and your consumption. If you’ve got a pile of scrap paper or a collection of cardboard boxes from over the years, papier-mâché might be the craft for you. There are tons of tutorials online, but it’s pretty simple: cut cardboard into the shape you want and wrap it in paper soaked in a gluey solution. (I use flour and water mixed together.)
You could also create the timeless “Uptown Girl” sock monkey. Instead of tossing out socks with holes or ones that just aren’t comfortable anymore, try your sewing skills! You can find cutouts and templates practically anywhere—the design is pretty straightforward—and you can use fabric scraps or leftover materials as stuffing.
The Bigger Picture
There are nearly infinite possibilities when it comes to repurposing. These are just a few fun examples. As someone who is very crafty and always looking for ways to pass the time other than doom scrolling, I can say arts and crafts are a genuinely therapeutic way to make your own small contribution to saving the planet.
They’re also a great way to spread kindness. Homemade gifts are often more meaningful than expensive ones, and through repurposing and experimenting with creative expression, you’re not only making something new, you’re shaping a world that values sustainability and creativity over the dull, consumer-driven culture we often see today.
End Notes:
Mishra, Vibhu. “Fast Fashion Fuelling Global Waste Crisis, UN Chief Warns.” UN News, 27 Mar.
