In recent years, more and more people have been finding new creative outlets . One of the outlets that people are turning towards is upcycling. Not only is upcycling helping people be creative but also to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

While some could argue that upcycling has been around for a while— as people have been making new things out of old for centuries now —it has recently reached new heights. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many were quarantined in their homes and thus looked for new hobbies to spend their newfound free time on. While some chose baking bread, others looked toward upcycling. Whether it looks like furniture flipping or redesigning thrift clothes, upcycling has gained new popularity in recent years.

One of the ways that upcycling’s popularity rose was through Tik Tok and Instagram. Different creators such as @poppyluclothing and @111.threads focus on flipping thrifted textiles while @fieldandvineyard @refurbishedish upcycle furniture. Maggie Nelson, the face behind @poppyluclothing, often features different tablecloths and vintage blankets she has found before transforming them into a brand-new item of clothing. Nelson’s videos in particular stand out from the crowd due to the way she throws each piece of the item together before adding a tag that includes her signature phrase, “Something old, something new, say hello to Poppy Lu.” While Nelson’s account has become very popular, she has only been making clothes for a little over three years after teaching herself to sew during COVID-19.

Christina Mimm, also known as  @fieldandvineyard, has also become a popular account for those interested in DIY furniture flips. Mimm walks viewers through how to restore different thrift finds and makes videos highlighting different techniques that budding DIY-ers may need to learn. While Mimm’s page is mostly focused on upcycling furniture, she also shares home decor and renovation tips.

Though some are worried about the potential overconsumption of thrifted items leaving those in need with few options, upcycling has had many benefits for the environment. It is estimated that roughly 11.3 million tons of textiles are deposited into landfills. So, by upcycling, people can help diminish this figure in some way, either by buying thrifted pieces to make them into something new, or upcycling old clothes that they would have thrown out.

Whether it’s by giving a new life into an old shirt you thrift or restoring an old bookshelf to its former glory, try upcycling today! 

Photo Courtesy of Chloe Evans on Unsplash