Words have power. Knowing lingo can be used to inform that this is the right item. I am not an expert but the lingo, buzz words, and hashtags come up in the work I do and as part of a larger concern for this world we live in.

You may may be familiar with these words but do not use them in regular conversation.

Upcycled

aka Repurposed

“One man's trash is another man's treasure.” In 2010 I salvaged some old windows from my late grandfather’s barn. As someone who held onto everything, and tried to repair what he already had on the farm, I think he would have been proud. In 2014 I decided to turn one window into a piece of art each time I returned to the U.S. for a visit. This is where etching discarded glass came from. Then it was vintage and discarded metal for my jewelry. Somewhere in between, cardboard, bits from trees, hand-pressed paper, and now plastic wrapping also became canvases for my art.

I say upcycled because unlike recycling, the core of the material remains the same. There is also limited energy required to reform the discarded items. Aside from my art, I repurpose jars, boxes, bubble wrap, furniture and odd discarded items in my daily life.

Eco Living/

Green Living

This one is a process It is a journey gradually making small changes to your life.

Some changes may feel like small sacrifices. Choose takeout only if biodegradable containers are available. Pay a little more for an item that has less pollutants. Considering the life of an item before you buy. Show loyalty to companies who are actively reducing thier carbon footprint.

Other changes may just require planning ahead. Carry reusable bags, pouches, straws, cups, and water bottles. Separate rubbish and if possible, compost. These are just a few tips.

Carbon Footprint

related: Carbon Neutral or Carbon Offset

In the last couple of years I have seen more and more companies use these phrases. Like eco living, it is a process.

In the simplest terms, this is the amount of carbon emitted to produce an item. There is the base material, the means of production, packaging, shipping, and post consumer life of a product to consider.

Carbon neutral and carbon offset means a company is eliminating the carbon produced and/or working to remove carbon just as they are producing carbon. Try directing business to companies who are open and actively improving their carbon footprint.

In my own business, I am continuing to look for options to reduce my carbon footprint. Currently I am:

• using upcylced and recycled materials

• using upcylced, recycled, or recyclable packaging

• printing lifestyle items with organic and recycled materials

• printing lifestyle items that replace disposable items

• looking for partners striving to reduce their carbon footprint

• using Print on Demand (POD) companies with global printing to reduce transport

• encouraging POD companies to improve their packaging and materials

I hope you feel looped in if you did not already. You may also be interested in Fast Fashion and Other Lingo.