Did you know that the average person produces about 0.74 kg of trash every day? That’s just the regular municipal solid waste. Think about how much waste that adds up to when millions of people do it daily.
What if we said that what you see as ‘waste’ could be the start of some amazing art and great team experiences?
Usually, waste management follows a simple path: make, use, dispose. Upcycling gives old items a new purpose instead of letting them go to waste. It’s not just about being eco-friendly—it’s also a chance to get creative and strengthen our communities.
The Power of Creative Upcycling
The most innovative companies are starting to realise an unexpected truth: their biggest environmental issues they face can be great chances for their teams to grow. All over the world, companies are realising that environmental responsibility and employee engagement often go hand in hand. Upcycling is a great example of this, combining creativity with being eco-friendly, turning waste into something useful.
Upcycling is different from recycling. Recycling takes materials apart to make new things, while upcycling changes waste into items that are more valuable and meaningful. This not only helps the environment but also encourages new ideas and teamwork among employees.
How Citibank and Kiehl’s Turned Waste into Art
A great example of this change is when Kiehl’s and Citibank teamed up with Companies for Good for an upcycling project. Recognising that waste really harms our planet and its animals, so they worked with us to create an activity that would help their teams understand the issue and encourage better habits.
The concept was simple, yet deeply meaningful.Teams were asked to gather clean waste from their homes and offices in the week before the event. This first step opened people’s eyes to how much they use and throw away.
As part of the core activity, participants took their plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and paper waste and turned them into art. It was a fun way to learn about sustainability and inspire people to change their habits. Most importantly, it showed that sustainability activities in Dubai can be enjoyable and make a real difference.
Why Corporate Upcycling Activities Work
Upcycling programs work best when they involve people in meaningful, hands-on ways. When employees get hands-on with their own waste and turn it into something useful or nice-looking, they start to see how their actions impact the environment. This kind of experience can lead to real changes in behaviour that last long after the workshop ends.
These activities also help break down the usual barriers in the workplace. When bosses and junior staff work together to make art from old materials, it encourages teamwork and improves communication. Sharing the experience of turning trash into treasure shows how innovative and resourceful people can be.
Building Sustainable Corporate Culture
Companies for Good has seen how upcycling can really change a company’s culture. We’re not just about one-off events; we help businesses make sustainability a part of their everyday values and actions. By organising well-planned sustainability activities in Dubai and beyond, we help companies show their commitment to the environment while bringing their teams closer together.
The results are impressive. People often notice they change their personal habits, pay more attention to their packaging choices, and get more excited about company sustainability efforts. These activities spark bigger environmental programs and prove that being sustainable can be rewarding and enjoyable.
Your Next Steps
Turning waste into art isn’t just about creating beautiful objects—it’s changing how we think and making a difference. Each piece of waste we keep out of landfills and every small step we take toward being more sustainable adds to a bigger cause for the planet.
If you want to change how your team thinks about sustainability while boosting creativity and teamwork, Companies for Good can help. Our experienced facilitators design customised sustainability activities in Dubai that align with your company’s values and objectives.
Don’t spend another day worrying about your impact on the planet. Reach out to Companies for Good to see how upcycling can energise your team, strengthen your work culture, and help make a better future. Together, we can turn trash into something special and empower your team to be eco-friendly champions.