From Trash to Trendy: A Fresh Take on Spring Cleaning
Each month, we highlight a hands-on learning experience that empowers students to think critically, solve problems, and create real-world value. As spring cleaning is on a lot of our to-do lists, we wanted to showcase how this chore can help us Revitalize. Refocus. Reignite. We’ve chosen Innovative Upcycling, a dynamic and eco-conscious activity created by Empowered Educator Renique Burke, a Family and Consumer Science teacher from Montana.
In this lesson, students take discarded clothing items and transform them into different pieces (or other repurposed products) to extend the life cycle of the item – after all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. By participating, students have the opportunity to develop their creativity, consider environmental responsibility, and embrace the growth mindset: seeing something for what it could be.
The “Why” Behind The Activity of the Month
Renique shared her process for creating this lesson:
“I was inspired to create the Innovative Upcycling activity to help students think critically about sustainability and resourcefulness while incorporating creativity and hands-on learning. Many students don’t realize how everyday materials can be repurposed into something useful or artistic. By engaging in upcycling, I hoped students would develop problem-solving skills, gain an appreciation for reducing waste, and understand the broader impact of consumer habits on the environment.”
Beyond the classroom, this lesson challenges students to think about the impact of fast fashion and waste, making them more intentional consumers and creators. Many students walk away with not just a newfound appreciation for upcycling, but also the confidence to see themselves as innovators who can make a difference. “One surprising moment was seeing students who initially doubted their creativity come up with truly innovative designs,” Renique added.
Just like spring cleaning helps us clear out the clutter to make room for something better, Innovative Upcycling challenges students to rethink waste, embrace creativity, and see potential where others may not. It’s more than just an activity—it’s an opportunity for students to build problem-solving skills, practice sustainability, and recognize their own ability to transform the world around them. This activity plants the seed for a mindset shift: to see beyond what is and imagine what could be. So, as we embrace this season of renewal, let’s encourage our students to not only revitalize old materials but also refocus and reignite their own potential.
Want to Try “Innovative Upcycling” in Your Classroom?
Educators with a free Empowered Hub account have access to our Activity Library of 180+ lesson plans:
- Access the “Innovative Upcycling” Activity Guide inside Empowered Hub
- Connect with Renique on Empowered Hub
Share Your Thoughts on “Innovative Upcycling” on Empowered Hub
How did you modify this activity? What did your students think? Post feedback on Teacher Talk (Empowered Hub account required, click here to create yours). Be sure to tag Renique in your post.
