​     Recycling is not just a one and done solution for dealing with waste.  It’s a complicated process with costs.  It operates based on a business model that must generate profits or be subsidized to stay financially feasible. 
     This article from The Mercury News shows what happens when things get complicated with recycling operations.  A sudden drop in prices for the materials recovered by recycling can make a program unsustainable. 
     Avoiding single-use plastic bottles and items is a first step in the right direction toward easing the burden on recycling facilities.  A lower volume of recyclables means prices for salvaged materials will rise and recycling will stay profitable.
     Upcycling is key to sustainability and a better model for generating return on investment than recycling.  Upcycled items have a higher value and fetch a higher price than materials reclaimed from recycling.  Moving forward, I’ll be mindfully looking into my recycling cart before I push it to the curb.

​Here are photos of some of the projects I’ve been working on this week.  I made a locket with a snippet of a vintage hankie inside of it.  I’ve also been experimenting with molding resins.    

​     All the projects I’ve been working on lately have been short and sweet!  Nothing can compete with good weather!  Summer calls for quick, simple projects that fit into endless days at the beach, fairs, and festivals.
     Lately I’ve been making lots of magnets with upcycled materials.  I’ve been printing on #6 plastic and using vintage mother of pearl, glass, and celluloid buttons.  Below are some of my latest designs:

     Have you made anything fun or special this summer?  Please share your favorite summer project in the comments!