CCT434W02


 * Week 2: 09/15/11 **


 * CCT434 Lesson 2 In Class Assignment #1: Upcycling, Downcycling and Terracycle **


 * Sign in to the website Terracycle.net at []and write three paragraphs on how upcycling works as a successful business model, and answer the following questions: **


 * 1. Define “upcycling”. **

Upcycling is the process by which post-consumer materials are brought back into the system by altering their use as a disposable item into a product that is of higher environmental grade. By using materials that have already been produced, waste is diverted from landfills. The Whole systems thinking approach is applied to the concept of waste to now focus on new uses of greater permanence for waste that has already been created.


 * 2. Define “downcycling”. **

Downcycling is the process in which materials are diverted from landfills yet degraded in quality in order to remain in the system. Some materials require excessive water and energy usage during the recycling process that translates to an overall downgrade in product quality and lessens the positive environmental impact of the process.


 * 3. Why is Terracycle one of the largest growing sustainable businesses in the world? **

Terracycle has a unique business model that focuses on materials that most others find to be a burden to companies and is very expensive to manage. Terracycle is able to benefit from these products and instill greater value through the upcycling process. The company’s business model also makes use of the labour and interest of environmental enthusiasts, allowing them to participate in the “brigade” of garbage collection and return the value of their

earnings to any of their charity partners. The company provides an innovative solution to waste through both their waste worm products and upcycling, all while returning a portion of profits to charitable organizations that also meet the triple bottom line.


 * 4. Who started this business, and why have they been so successful? **

Terracycle was founded by two freshmen, Tom Szaky and Jon Beyer in 2001 by maximizing the use of compostable material from their school cafeteria (Princeton University). Their success reigns from being the first of their kind and encompassing a far-sighted approach to upcycling in all fields of waste.


 * 5. Describe their business model. **

Terracycle collects waste from both businesses and individuals enlisted in the program. The waste is then complimentarily transported by UPS to Terracycle and turned into a product of greater value to be sold to consumers. This model also assists Terracycle’s business partners by allowing the individuals collecting waste to earn points that translate into funds for various charities. Another aspect of the program involves worm waste compost that transforms degradable waste into a natural fertilizer.


 * 6. Find another business online which also has a sustainable business model. Copy the link to their website, and write a paragraph description as to why their model is so successful. **

[] Sourced is a sustainable business that focuses on upcycling, specifically in the sale of bags made from post-consumer material such as lorry curtains from truck tarps and print blankets from industrial printing. The company has a greater focus on fashion, style, and function, which appeals greater to the consumer society in which we exist. The company personally claims that they are not “treehuggers” and although they are not embracing the culture of sustainability wholeheartedly, they are still creating products enriched in ethical value. The company specialized on just one product, allowing each product to be unique and beautiful.