Let’s Talk about Upcycling

• Mr. Brown : Hello, club members. As you know, this year’s Environment Day is about upcycling. Before we talk about each group’s event idea for that day, I want you to understand the meaning of “upcycling.” Can anyone explain upcycling?
• Sumi : Yes. The word “upcycling” is a combination of “upgrade” and “recycling.”
• Eric : Like recycling, upcycling is good for the environment. When you upcycling, you make know and better things from old things.
• Mr. Brown : Good. Now, let’s talk about each group’s idea for the event. Let’s start with Pei’s group.
• Pei : My group wants to hold a trashion show. “Trashion” is a combination of “trash” and “fashion.” We’ll use trash to make clothes. We want other students to become interested in upcycling through the show.
• Mr. Brown : A trashion show sounds like fun! What about your group, Eric?
• Eric : My group is going to make musical instruments from old things. We’ll make drums from old plastic buckets. We’ll also make guitar from old boxes and rubber bands. We plan to play the instruments in a mini-concert.
• Mr. Brown : Thank you, Eric. Now, let’s hear from Sumi’s group.
• Sumi : My group will make bags from old clothes. For example, we’ll use blue jeans. Look at this bag. This was made by Hajun, one of our group members. Isn’t it nice? We’ll make more bags and sell them on Environment Day. We’re going to give all the money to a nursing home.
• Mr. Brown : That’s a great idea. Your ideas are all so creative. I want everyone to work hard for Environment Day.

You Need: old blue jeans, sewing kit, scissors, pins and buttons

Step

1. Cut off the legs of the blue jeans.
2. Sew the bottom together.
3. Make shoulder straps from one of the legs.
4. Sew the straps to the top of the jeans.
5. Decorate the bag with pins and buttons.