Cradle to cradle derives an inspiration for innovation, change, and opens ones eyes to what the coming green revolution is all about. Authors William McDonough & Michael Braungart describe a new system of production with far reaching implications leapfrogging the legendary 3’rs of Recycle Reduce and Reuse. “Up-cycling,” is a central theme they define as producing a product with not only a primary use but also a continual use at that material stage or even a more valuable use as a future product.

I was shopping in a small market in Cairo a few weeks ago, there guest lecturing high school students on biodiversity and local coral eco-systems when I stumbled across this jar (seen here) of chocolate spread. As one can see, a handle is conveniently designed so that when the jar is finished, the glass gains value as a drinking mug. This is a perfect example of “up-cycling”. The product is distributed and sold with a primary purpose while a secondary purpose was designed prior to production. This is where “up-cycling” differentiates from the 3 R’s. Although it is important to maintain our push for recycling, reducing, and reusing; “up-cycling” should naturally be applied where possible and considered before production of any product.