Upcycle your business
up·cy·cle
[uhp-sahy-kuhl] Show IPA
verb (used with object), up·cy·cled, up·cy·cling.
- to process (used goods or waste material) so as to produce something that is often better than the original
Years ago, I went to an upcycled art show, though I had no idea what “upcycled art” meant. Upon arrival, I was blown away by what I saw. Headdresses made out of broken necklace parts and feathers, garden decor made out of broken, painted plates, an old car decorated with thousands of toys from long-ago decades… so much creativity and originality, even though the parts that made up each piece of art were used. Right then and there, I fell in love with the “upcycled” concept.
Today, I apply this concept to much more than art. In fact, I believe that every business should upcycle their venture. If you are not going forwards and improving, you are either stagnant or moving backwards, after all.
But what does it really mean to talk about upcycling a business? innovation, first and foremost. When you upcycle a business, you take the old pieces and parts and reconstruct them into something new, different and better. Cities like Buenos Aires and Austin Texas, and corporations like Apple, Wal-mart, and Toyota are all upcycling because it makes economic sense. If they don’t evolve, even these giants will disappear.
Let’s face it, if you are not sustainable, then you are temporary, right? Incidentally, this process starts with a goal that mimics nature as a catalyst for growth, abundance, and jobs.
Every person, household, business and community can upcycle by setting and implementing the goal of zero waste. This goal increases efficiency, lowers operational costs, improves morale, and gives you a marketing edge. Now you are greener than green. Just imagine a red bull can turning into a ____pic. Or turning your waste plastic into ink for your 3d printer. Pretty soon you will be able to turn your vette into a time traveling Dolorean that runs on banana peels.
When you are ready to talk about upcycling...
Our consultants are trained by the nation’s leading experts in zero waste, and we have accumulated 7 years of practical experience doing business with over 40 clients, in all 4 economic sectors including the new “Benefit’ sector we are a part of. If you are ready to upcycle your business, please email jbushe@adbongo.io for a consultation.