Upcycled Terrarium

Upcycling offers a sustainable and creative alternative to traditional waste management methods, and can have a positive impact on both the environment and communities.

Here are some of the benefits of upcycling:

1. Reduces waste: Upcycling presents an effective solution to waste reduction by taking advantage of materials that would otherwise be discarded in landfills. By repurposing these materials and transforming them into new products, we can reduce the amount of waste that is generated and limit our environmental impact.
2. Saves resources: Upcycling represents a sustainable approach to resource conservation, as it utilizes existing materials in lieu of extracting or manufacturing new resources. By reimagining the potential of discarded items, we can reduce the need for additional raw materials, which can help to minimize our environmental footprint.
3. Saves energy: In contrast to recycling, which involves melting and reprocessing materials, upcycling requires significantly less energy. Instead, upcycling involves repurposing existing materials and transforming them into new products, which can lead to a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Promotes creativity: Upcycling fosters creativity and ingenuity by inspiring individuals to discover novel and imaginative methods of repurposing materials. This sustainable approach to waste reduction motivates people to think outside of the box and experiment with different materials, textures, and colours, to create something unique and functional.
5. Saves money: Upcycling presents a cost-effective means of generating innovative and practical items, since it often entails the utilization of readily available materials. By upcycling, individuals can reduce their reliance on costly new materials and instead take advantage of the potential that can be found in materials that are already at hand.
6. Reduces carbon footprint: By reducing the need for new raw materials and energy-intensive manufacturing processes, upcycling helps to minimise the carbon footprint of a product

A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem in a glass or transparent container and is often self-contained and enclosed. It typically includes plants, soil, gravel and other decorative elements (e.g. sand and stones) and can be used for both aesthetic and educational purposes. They are also an excellent way to bring nature indoors and create a calming and peaceful environment in any space.

There are many types of plants that are suitable for terrariums, but it's important to choose ones that are well-suited for the environment inside the jar, which depends on whether the terrarium is a closed or open one. For example, closed terrariums are typically better suited for plants that prefer humid environments.

Here are some examples:

• Ferns: Ferns are a popular choice for terrariums because they thrive in moist, humid environments.
• Moss: Moss is also a great choice for terrariums because it doesn't need soil to grow and can absorb moisture directly from the air.
• Succulents: Succulents are a popular choice for open terrariums because they are drought-tolerant and don't require a lot of water.
• Air plants: Air plants are another popular choice for terrariums because they don't need soil to grow and can absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
• Fittonia: Fittonia, also known as nerve plant, is a colourful option for terrariums that prefers high humidity and low light.
• Pilea: Pilea, also known as Chinese money plant, is a popular choice for terrariums because of its low maintenance needs and cute appearance.

When selecting plants for your terrarium, make sure to consider their growth habits and lighting requirements. It's also important to choose plants that are small enough to fit comfortably inside the jar and won't outgrow the space.

For our Upcycled Terrarium Workshops, we will be using fittonias due to their low maintenance needs, making them beginner friendly.

Our Upcycled Terrarium Workshops are designed to be efficient and engaging, with a typical completion time of 1-1.5h. This includes both the theoretical portion and the practical portion of the workshop. We understand that the students have many lessons to attend, making it difficult to slot such activities into their timetables at times, so we've structured our workshops to be concise and easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules. However, despite the short duration, we are confident that the students will walk away with a newfound appreciation for upcycling and the skills necessary to continue creating functional items from used materials, along with the scientific knowledge of how terrarium ecosystems work.

The science behind a terrarium ecosystem involves the three essential processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and the water cycle. These processes enable the plants to thrive in the enclosed environment, creating a self-sustaining and fascinating mini garden in a bottle.

Of course! They can definitely bring their completed terrariums home after the workshop. In fact, taking home their own upcycled terrarium is one of the highlights of the workshop experience. Not only will they have learned about upcycling and the science behind how a terrarium works, but they will also have a unique and personalised item to display and take care of at home. Care and maintenance instructions will be provided during the workshop to ensure that the terrarium continues to thrive once it is brought home.

However, one thing to note is that the terrariums will need to be transported carefully to avoid damage. We recommend asking the students to bring a small box or paper bag to hold the terrarium during transport and being careful to keep it upright and stable.

These are the topics that will be covered:

1. What is upcycling?
2. Upcycling VS recycling
3. Upcycling and its effects on the environment
4. What is a terrarium?
5. The science behind terrariums: Photosynthesis, respiration, the water cycle

Upcycling is a practice that aligns closely with sustainability because it encourages the reuse of materials and products that would otherwise be considered waste. By upcycling, we can decrease the amount of waste that is sent to landfills or incinerated, as well as lower the energy and resources required to create new products from scratch.

Sustainability aims to meet the needs of the present without sacrificing the ability of future generations to fulfil their own needs. By upcycling, we can use available resources in a more efficient manner, which can help to reduce our environmental impact and promote sustainable living.

Beyond its waste reduction and resource conservation benefits, upcycling can also inspire creativity and innovation. Individuals can experiment with repurposing and transforming old items into something new and functional, promoting a culture of reuse and reducing our reliance on new products.

All in all, upcycling represents a positive step towards sustainability, promoting waste reduction, resource conservation, and creativity. By embracing upcycling practices, we can work towards a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.