Upcycle Challenge
Sustainability in our communities doesn’t start with recycling – it starts with reducing and reusing as much as possible to minimize the waste we create in the first place.
To celebrate the many creative ways people give new life to old materials, ecomaine launched the Upcycle Challenge. This annual initiative invites students, kids, teens, and adults to think differently about waste and transform everyday discarded items into something new and meaningful.
Over the years, participants have wowed us with their ingenuity – creating everything from artwork and clothing to functional items and festive holiday décor. These projects highlight the power of creativity, inspire waste reduction, and show how small actions can make a big impact.
Next Upcycle Challenge
Our next Upcycle Challenge is expected to launch in 2026. Be sure to join our email list to receive updates, inspiration, and details on how to participate when the challenge opens.
2025 Holiday Upcycle Challenge Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Holiday Upcycle Challenge! Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their creativity with us.
Youth Division
🏆 Josie, Portland
Teen & Adult Division
🏆 Sydney, Portland
Learn more about how Josie and Sydney developed their winning creations and the materials they used in our upcoming blog post.
Past Upcycle Creations
Looking for inspiration? Explore highlights from past Upcycle Challenges to see how participants have reimagined waste into something extraordinary. These projects demonstrate that creativity, resourcefulness, and sustainability go hand in hand.
