Recycled vs Upcycled... What's the Difference?

The first time I heard the term "Upcycled", I thought someone was just trying to put an Upscale moniker on recycled crafts. But upon further investigation, I've found that it is much more than mere marketing semantics.

The term upcycling was coined by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, authors of "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things." According to Wikipedia, "Upcycling is a component of sustainability in which waste materials are used to provide new products. It is generally a reinvestment in the environment. "Upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value." This process allows for the reduction of waste and use of virgin materials."

Then I realized that my soy candles are ALL Upcycled. If you buy a vintage China teacup and use it as a China teacup, that's recycling. But if I hand-pour scented soy wax into a recycled China teacup, I am "Upcycling", because I am providing a new product with a different, and hopefully better, purpose. And that's what I love most about making my soy candles.

I love finding a discarded vintage treasure at the local hospital thrift shop and "feeling" what color and fragrance belong in it. I adore making candles out of non-traditional containers, like soap dishes, tooth pick holders and candy dishes. And I treasure giving new life and value to something that is headed for the land fill. Yes, I admit it, I've found many a treasure on the curb the day after a Yard Sale. And I'm damn proud of it!

So this is my way of "taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value".... my small effort at "reinvestment in the environment". And I now proudly claim that my soy candles are Upcycled. You can view more of my Upcycled Soy Candles in Unique vintage containers at http://maxscentsoycandles.etsy.com , http://maxscentsoycandles.artfire.com/, or http://maxscentsoycandles.1000Markets.com.

Max Scent Soy Candles' One World ~ One Heart Soy Tart Giveaway is Officially Closed

Thank you so much to all who entered my OWOH Drawing to win 8 Free Scented Soy Tarts. Comments to this Giveaway post were closed at 11:00pm EST on 2/10/09. And Max, the 5-year-old C.E.O. of Max Scent Soy Candles, will be drawing the winner & announcing it on this Blog at 2:00pm EST on 2/12/09.

I gotta tell you... I only just started my blog 8 days ago after I saw the OWOH website & decided that I wanted to be part of it. I hadn't even looked up the definition of "Blog", but I just jumped in because OWOH seemed like such a magical event. So you can imagine my utter surprise & delight to find that 230 people from here, there & everywhere came to visit Max Scent Soy Candles since I started my blog.

When I first looked at the One World ~ One Heart 2009 Worldwide Event, I got the impression that it was only for talented "real" artists who blog. I wasn't sure that I, a humble soy chandler & crafter, qualified to be part of this inspiring worldwide event. I mean, I can't even draw a circle! That's why I express my creativity through my candle creations.

92 Bloggers left comments within the first 24 hours, & I figured people were just whipping through all 911 OWOH participants, leaving comments at each to win a Free Giveaway. But then I started to read those comments, & my heart was filled with joy. Strangers welcoming me to the online community, complimenting my candle creations & sharing their passions.

I'm following some of you & loving ALL of you. Thanks again for welcoming me into your wonderful worldwide community. I feel like I just went to my first Block Party in the WORLD'S GREATEST NEIGHBORHOOD!

Oh Good... You're Here! Welcome to Max Scent Soy Candles

Hi, my name is Ellen, but generally I'm called "Max's Mommy". I've been creating and selling my highly-scented custom soy candles at local craft fairs and on other online venues for over a year. But since losing my job in July, I've put all of my efforts into making Max Scent Soy Candles the BEST, most customer-oriented online custom soy candle shop in the world. Let me share a little about myself...

We're called "Max Scent Soy Candles" not only because I use the highest quality, uncut fragrance oils. But because my 5-year-old son, MAX, helps me make them! Max & I hand-pour every candle with love and pride. (He mostly pours the tarts). Our goal is to create a unique, personalized scented soy candle that you LOVE and can AFFORD.

I started this business because I was tired of having my favorite fragrances discontinued from the large, overpriced candle companies (Yes, Yankee & Pier 1, I'm talking about YOU). I was tired of the Black SOOT and junk that covered my jar rims and walls. And I was REALLY tired of paying SO MUCH for highly-scented candles.

I hand-pour every natural soy candle with love and pride, using only the highest-quality, uncut fragrance oils. So the scent stays until the last drop. And I make my highly-scented quality candles AFFORDABLE so everyone can enjoy them.

My Soy candles:
o Are 100% natural and 100% non-toxic
o Produce almost no Black Soot
o Are made from a completely renewable AMERICAN resource
o Burn cleaner and longer and they're healthier for your loved ones and the environment
o Are poured in recycled containers obtained at Habitat for Humanity ReStores & hospital thrift shops
o Smell Great & their scent lasts until the last drop!

My candles are currently for sale on 4 different venues: Etsy, 1000 Markets, ShopHandMade & Artfire. Thank you again for visiting my blog.