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Jagdeep Singh. Foto.

Jagdeep Singh

Researcher

Jagdeep Singh. Foto.

The Sustainability Potential of Upcycling

Author

  • Jagdeep Singh

Summary, in English

The upcycling trend has received renewed attention in the past few years due to growing concerns for the environment related to increased resource consumption and waste volumes. Indeed, cities across the world are supporting resource upcycling initiatives by establishing do-it-yourself (DIY) repair cafes and makerspaces as a means to transform societies towards sustainable develop-ment. However, the sustainability potential of such upcycling initiatives is unknown due to the lack of theoretical frameworks. This research aims to explore the direct and indirect social, economic, and environmental implications of upcycling activities at DIY bicycle repair studios. The main objectives of the study were to: (1) examine the upcycling activities in these studios that contribute to slowing and closing the material cycles, (2) explore the behavioral implications of the users of these maker spaces in the context of environmental sustainability, and (3) propose ways to evaluate the broad environmental impacts of the upcycling activities at these studios. The objectives were explored in three case studies—2 in Sweden (Cykelköket in Malmö and Bagarmossens Cykelköket in Stockholm) and 1 in Switzerland (Point Vélo, Lausanne). Semi-structured interviews, user surveys, and partici-pant observation methods are employed to collect qualitative, and quantitative data to formulate a systemic exploration of major activities and socio-economic exchanges at these repair cafes. The study identified multiple social, economic, and environmental impacts of upcycling activities and represented them in causal loop diagrams. Based on this, a framework for evaluating and governing the overall sustainability potential of upcycling activities is proposed.

Department/s

  • Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC)
  • The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics

Publishing year

2022

Language

English

Publication/Series

Sustainability (Switzerland)

Volume

14

Issue

10

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

MDPI AG

Topic

  • Environmental Management

Keywords

  • bike repair kitchens
  • collaborative production
  • do-it-yourself (DIY)
  • makerspaces
  • presumption
  • sharing economy
  • social impacts
  • sustainability framework
  • upcycling

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 2071-1050