Upcycling
WRITTEN by. Zaharaa mohammeD
Upcycling is the process of transforming by-products,
waste materials, useless and/or unwanted products into
new materials or products of better quality or for better
environmental value.
Recycling is a great way to be earth-friendly, but
sometimes it’s not a
very effective way
to get the best use
out of an item. You
can recycle things
like plastic or paper
bags, cups and even
clothes-but you can
also find new ways
to re-use them, too.
Be creative, but be
sure to re-use before
sending items to
recycling bins, which
use up energy.
Prophet Muhammad
(s) was thrifty, even
in times of plenty,
he used to repair
his shoes and sew and repair his clothes without want
for more. Reusing and repairing things instead of always
buying new is not a sign of poverty, instead they are a
sign of power. By performing these tasks he was showing
us that we can build foundations on less ‘stuff’ and that
we are in control of what we consume and we don’t need
more.
Here are some things we can re-use:
• Old clothes can turn into rags for cleaning
• Paper bags can be cut up and used as storage
• Use empty egg cartons to plant vegetable seedlings in
the spring
Old paper bags are common in a Trinbagonian household
and other than cleaning windows and mirrors and lighting
bonfires and barbecue pits; we just throw them in the
trash. Instead of dumping them; why not upcycle it into
a really cute basket that’s perfect for holding fresh fruits
or decluttering your kitchen-counter?Don’t worry you
need little or NO crafting experience to put together these
eco-friendly repurposed containers and they can be made
in any size. You can even use them to fill sweets as an Eid
gift for kids.
Things you will need:
•
•
•
•
•
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Brown paper bag (or 5 cent bag as we call ‘em)
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Ribbon (optional)
Directions:
1.
To create a basic basket about four inches square in
24 | Ihsaan | Issue 1
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
size, cut away the bottom of the paper bag. Lay the
bag flat on your work surface horizontally and cut the
sides to open out.
Use a ruler to make a mark after every two inches
along the vertical sides of the bag.
Cut out the strips, creating 14 lengths for basket
making. Place a length and fold into itself halfway,
pressing with a ruler. Fold in on itself again, creating
a folded paper strip around three-fourth inch thick
Create the base of the basket by positioning four
lengths horizontally on your work surface and then
centering four strips over the tops to frame out the
basket. Create a larger basket by adding more strips.
Place a dot of hot glue at the bottom right corner of
where the papers overlap and then begin weaving the
strip over and under the horizontal strips. Continue
weaving the strips and then secure the other three
outside corners with hot glue.
To make the sides of the basket, fold the strips toward
the centre of the basket and then secure a strip to
one outside corner with hot glue, lining up the edges
to keep things nice and even. Now fold the paper and
begin weaving the strip, over and under, around the
outside edge to reach the other side. Trim and secure
with another dot of hot glue.
Glue a new strip of paper above the first but on the
inside of the basket, and weave opposite of the first
strip. Continue weaving until the basket reaches your
desired height.
Finish by trimming the ends and folding either over
the inside or outside of the basket, securing with hot
glue. Adorn with a length of ribbon or string and
you’re ready to store your stuff.
#GMFTT Workout PlaN
1 Minute Run in Place
50 Jumping Jacks
25 Squats
MAX Plank Hold
20 High Knees
20 Lunges (per leg)
30 Mountain Climbers
1 Minute Wall Sit
20 Squats
20 Caff Raises
10 Burpees
20 Reverse Leg Raises
(Per Leg)