Eclectic comes from a Greek verb meaning “to select” and was originally applied to ancient philosophers who were not committed to any single system of philosophy; instead, these philosophers selected whichever doctrines pleased them from every school of thought. Later, the word’s use broadened to cover other selective natures. “Hard by, the central slab is thick with books / Diverse, but which the true eclectic mind / Knows how to group, and gather out of each / Their frequent wisdoms….” In this 19th century example from a poem by Arthur Joseph Munby, for example, the word is applied to literature lovers who cull selective works from libraries.
Upcycle is a word which was originally created in 1994 which means to recycle (something) in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item : to create an object of greater value from (a discarded object of lesser value). While there’s definite overlap between upcycling (also known as “creative repurposing”) and recycling, there are key differences. Whereas upcycling takes existing products and materials in their original forms and gives them a new life, recycling involves sorting, processing, and altering those materials—melting metal cans, crushing old glass, breaking down wood—to turn it into the same product or a new product, with no regard to the materials’ original form.
Because recycling often includes industrial production, an item can actually require less water, energy, and raw materials when it is upcycled—meaning, you can think of upcycling less as a recycling and more as a reworking.
Many of the vintage products that are available at Eclectic Upcycle can be creatively repurposed for a unique home décor design or useful object.. Besides that, It is just plain fun!