# Recession Recyclovations Reuse is more important than ever thanks to the credit crunch. By [Andrew Robichaud](https://www.trendhunter.com/andrew), Sr. Product Manager | Published Jun 11, 2009, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/recession-recyclovations-this-age-old-solution-is-bigger-than-ever-during-t ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.1/10 - Evidence articles: 12 ## What is the Recession Recyclovations trend? **Recession Recyclovations:** Recycling has been a monumental part of the environmental movement for a long time, however, during the credit crunch, reusing old materials for new products is more prevalent than ever. Upcycled products come in every genre, from arts and crafts, to home decor and even fashion. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 12 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 24 to May 30, 2009 - Published: Jun 11, 2009 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Recession Recyclovations trend ### Upcycling As consumers look to reduce their carbon footprint on the planet, upcycling or repurposing old materials into new products has become more prevalent. ### Recycling Innovation With eco-conscious consumers on the rise, products manufactured from natural or upcycled materials are in demand, giving rise to innovative recycling practices and initiatives. ### DIY Culture DIY artifacts are appealing to many individuals as this gives them a sense of empowerment; companies that allow buyers to feel in control and valued of the design process will find success in the growing DIY culture. ## What the Recession Recyclovations trend means for industry ### For Upcycling Industry The upcycling industry is on the rise, as more companies turn to alternative methods of production and repurposing of materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. ### For Recycling and Waste Management Industry As new and innovative recycling practices and initiatives arise, there is a growing need for professionals in the recycling and waste management industry that can help address the global waste crisis. ### For DIY Market With the rise of the DIY culture, companies that cater to the DIY market have the potential for growth and success, as consumers look for ways to customize and take control of their product design process. ## Trend signals for Recession Recyclovations Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 71%, activity 74%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 71% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Recession Recyclovations trend 12 featured examples from Mar 24 to May 30, 2009. - [Garbage Bag Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chic-garbage-bag-fashions-michelle-janks-ponystep-editorial): Michelle Jank's PonyStep Editorial Finds Beauty in Trash (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for the fashion industry to embrace sustainable practices by incorporating recycled materials into their designs. - [Recycled T-Shirt Dresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dresses-made-from-recycled-tee-shirts): Fun Eco Chic Looks by Angela Johnson Designs (Category: Eco) Implication: Designing and producing sustainable fashion using recycled and upcycled materials could disrupt the traditional fashion industry and attract environmentally conscious consumers. - [Recycled Paper Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-friendly-furniture-designs-way-basics-no-tools-no-screws-endless-fun): Way Basics' Green Designs Boast Tool-Free Assembly (Category: Eco) Implication: Furniture manufacturers can explore tool-free assembly and eco-designs as innovations that can not only save costs but also attract a growing environmentally-aware customer base. - [Suitcase Sofas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suitcase-sofas-recycle-your-suitcases-for-new-furniture): Recycle Your Old Suitcases Into Eco Furniture (Category: Eco) Implication: The interior design industry can capitalize on the trend of using eco-friendly materials and repurposing old goods to offer sustainable furniture options to consumers. - [Cardboard Carpets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-rugs-cardboard-box-carpets): Ravishing Recycled Rugs Made of Flattened Boxes by Wendy Plomp (Category: Eco) Implication: Incorporating cardboard carpets into the home decor industry can offer innovative and sustainable design options for floor coverings. - [Eco-Chic Winter Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-chic-jewelry-unique-accessories-made-from-recycled-bottles): Kumvana Gomani's Recycled Plastic Accessories (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion industry can benefit from investing in the trend of eco-friendly fashion, especially since consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability. - [DIY Laptop Stands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-laptop-stands): Recycled Cardboard Is Fast, Fun & Cheap for Computer Geeks (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for furniture companies to incorporate DIY laptop stands into their product offerings, allowing customers to customize their workspace. - [Crazy Recycled Catamarans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-plastiki-catamaran-David-de-Rothschild): ‘Plastiki' Stays Afloat With 12,000 Plastic Bottles (Category: Eco) Implication: The Plastiki catamaran demonstrates the potential for using recycled materials in new and creative ways, encouraging innovation and growth in the recycling industry. - [Recycled Can Origami](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handmade-origami-jurassic-dinosaur-t-rex-made-by-coke-can): Handmade Jurassic Dinosaur T-Rex Made From Old Coke Can (Category: Eco) Implication: The sustainability industry has an opportunity to promote products made from recycled materials. - [Recycled Dining](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-dining-the-bb02-table-and-chairs-by-not-neutral-are-made-with-old): The BB02 Table and Chairs by Not Neutral are Made With Old Jugs and Bottles (Category: Eco) Implication: Manufacturers can explore using recycled materials to create sustainable furniture pieces. - [Recycled Couture Crafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/httptrendoffice.blogspot.com200904crafts-trend-at-milan-furniture-fair.html): Design Miami Uses Fendi Scraps at Milan Furniture Fair 2009 (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion industry can benefit from using recycled textiles in their production, as it provides an opportunity to reduce waste and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. - [Rad Recycled Records](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-salvage-ideas-new-uses-for-outdated-records-and-cds): Obsolete Records & CDs Find a New Life (Category: Eco) Implication: Providing opportunities for artists and crafters to explore the use of old records and CDs in creating unique and eco-friendly products. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Eco - [Backpack-Sized Folding Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blizwheel-f05) - [Aftermarket Cyclist Motor Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-oxiis-e250g1) - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Sustainability-Focused Brand Progress Reports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-summary) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)