For years, ecomaine has hosted an Upcycle Challenge: an opportunity for members of our communities to leverage materials they already have to create something creative, captivating, and totally new. This year, we invited participants of all ages to showcase their skills creating arts and crafts around a specific theme: the holidays.
Why a holiday upcycle challenge? Because while the holidays bring plenty of joy, they also bring plenty of waste. On average, Americans produce up to 25% more waste around the holidays than at other times of year. Reducing that waste is important for our planet – and there are many ways to do it without sacrificing what makes the holidays so special. We knew an holiday upcycle challenge could inspire people to embrace the spirit of the season without creating extra waste.
The challenge opened in early November and attracted entries from around Maine by the time voting closed just after Thanksgiving. We saw creative entries including decor, gift boxes, and even a fabulous hat – and ultimately, voters selected the winners: one for our youth division (12 & under) and one for the teen & adult division.
Check out the winner entries and get inspired below. And be sure to subscribe ecomaine emails so you’ll be the first to know when we announce new opportunities for awards and grants – you’ll find opportunities for artists and sustainability advocates of all ages throughout the year.
Youth Division (Age 12 & Under) Winner: Josie!
Josie, a student in Portland, noticed that opening up corrugated cardboard offered an open honeycomb pattern – and it sparked her creativity. She cut a tree shape and gathered used tissue paper from around the house, stuffing it into the cardboard in a carefully crafted pattern to create a Christmas tree.
“It was really fun being creative and using materials from our recycling bin to make an art project,” says Josie.
Teen & Adult Division Winner: Sydney!
Sydney, also a Portland student, created a festive tablescape scene. She used materials that are often found around the house – cardboard, aluminum foil, and tissue paper – plus one unexpected element: her mother’s unmatched earrings as baubles and bells for the tree.
She reflected: “I liked that we had to be really creative with what we had in the house because we couldn’t go out and get new stuff.”
We extend our thanks to everyone who submitted an upcycled creation, and to everyone who took the time to vote! We will see you next year for another upcycle challenge! Happy holidays from ecomaine.
