The Power of Green - Upcycling

The word "upcycling" was coined by William McDonough and Michael Braugart in their book on ecologically intelligent design, Cradle to Cradle. In the simplest terms, upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value.

Group 41, San Francisco architecture firm, is currently offering their design services, for free, to landowners willing to undertake stylish, modern shipping container projects on their property. Upcycling, in the case of shipping containers, means the value of a living space is greater than that of an often discarded temporary storage space.

Etsy teamed up with the organizers of The Baazar Bizarre craft show to hold a special contest focusing on "Upcycling". The contest challenged Etsy users to create an object to sell on Etsy comprised of materials that would have otherwise ended up in the trash heap. The winner received a trip to San Fransisco and a booth space at the next show. The design winners:

WINNER: The "Wiener Bench" by JackRobbit - a bench made of recycled sweaters and discarded furniture.

RUNNER UP: The "Technofabulous PLASTICOAT TRASHION" from thimblescratch made of trash bags, plastic bags and packaging donated to her by coworkers.

THIRD PLACE: The "Recycled FEMA blue tarp bustier and skirt with flower choker" made by dismantled - a member of the New Orleans Craft Mafia.

HONORABLE MENTION: The "Upholstered Cardboard Chair" by Inklude collaborative studio in Chicago - a nonprofit supporting programs for people with special needs.