Simply put, upcycling is a term used to describe the process of making something useful from waste. Pencil cases made from Capri Sun drink pouches, folders from used Frito Lay chip bags, purses from inside-out soccer balls, business card holders from old vinyl records, chairs from cardboard, and the list goes on. Unique items such as these are beginning to establish themselves in the marketplace, so why not take this concept and run with it here in the Lehigh Valley to create some new jobs?

For inspiration, take some time to read the book titled “Revolution in a Bottle – The TerraCycle Story” by Tom Szaky. In the book, Szaky describes how it is often more cost effective to reuse waste that is otherwise too difficult and costly to recycle. TerraCycle has established product brigades that pay consumers to collect things like yogurt cups, candy wrappers and wine corks. They pay a few cents per item to a charity or school of your choice and then they use the collected waste items to make or package their products.

We live in a densely populated area. We generate a tremendous amount of waste. Why not tap into the amazing creativity of our students and community members to create some innovative upcycled products? With a few forward-thinking investors and continued demand for these new products, the Lehigh Valley could become home to a manufacturing plant supplying some exciting green jobs.

Looking for other group members thoughts on upcycling...