ClimateAugust 27, 2026
upcycle
UP-sy-kul
Definition
To reuse discarded objects or materials in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
Etymology
The word is a 20th-century combination of the prefix 'up-' (meaning toward a higher position or quality) and 'cycle' (referring to recycling). It gained popularity in the 1990s as a term for creative reuse that adds value to waste materials.
In the news
Tan Sher Wyn identifies bread tags as a tiny item she can upcycle to create meaningful art, turning potential landfill waste into creative works that spark environmental conversations.
Turning bread tags into art in the name of sustainability
Read the full article ↗Free Malaysia Today