One of the key features of the circular creative economy is the concept of upcycling. The Roscommon women’s network created CycleUp to address the issue of textile waste and to help empower women and generate flexible employment opportunities.
The aim of this project is to teach and encourage individuals and groups to repair and repurpose old materials to create products that can be sold. By doing so, it increases awareness and educates people about how the circular economy can benefit them and the environment. Through workshops and training courses, you can learn about textile waste and how it impacts the environment, how to identify fabrics that are suitable for upcycling, get hands on experience deconstructing garments and pick up new skills and techniques.
They use community development principles to deliver their work and support the most marginalized and vulnerable people in the community. This project supports the social needs of people, such as isolation, and helps them to overcome these issues to build their confidence and help grow their personality.
Another important aspect of this project and the circular creative economy is the focus on community building. This involves creating networks of artists, designers, and other members of the community who collaborate on projects and share resources. By working together, these women can create new products and services that are more sustainable, innovative, and socially responsible.
It is a creative and innovative way of giving old or unwanted products and materials a new life by adding value to the product. Upcycling reduces the need for producing new or raw materials, it reduces air and water pollution and it allows single-use items to be used indefinitely. Many household items can be upcycled and greatly benefit the environment, society, and economy. It is a fresh solution that minimizes the volume of waste being sent to landfills each year, it encourages creativity and saves money.
