Problem:
Upcycling has become a popular sustainable design technique that turns trash into more useful and valuable things. In contrast to standard recycling, which frequently degrades material quality, upcycling is a creative reuse method that transforms waste materials into higher-value commodities (McDonough and Braungart, 2002). Waste management is still a major environmental issue in the Philippines. According to the National Solid trash Management Commission (NSWMC, 2020), a sizable amount of municipal solid trash is made up of paper and cardboard. Egg trays are a perfect material for upcycling because they are typically constructed from molded pulp made from recycled paper, which is biodegradable and plentiful. Egg trays are versatile for creative transformation because of their porosity, lightweight design, and biodegradability. Because they are recyclable and compostable, molded pulp packaging materials are environmentally friendly substitutes for plastics, according to Verma et al. (2019). Similar to this, Singh and Sharma (2018) highlighted that materials based on paper pulp can be cut, molded, and reinforced with adhesives, providing a variety of options for creating both practical and attractive things. Additionally, consumers are becoming more interested in handmade and sustainable goods. According to a Manalo and Garcia (2021) study on eco-friendly crafts in the Philippines, consumers are becoming more interested in handcrafted and upcycled goods because of their distinctiveness and smaller environmental impact. The circular economy, which minimizes waste by reusing resources continuously, is becoming more and more aligned with this trend (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017). The potential of upcycling for livelihood and environmental awareness is also highlighted by educational institutions and community activities. According to Reyes and Cruz (2020), student-led initiatives that make use of recycled and upcycled materials-such as paper pulp and cartons-promote environmental awareness while offering innovative economic prospects. At the local level, these methods support both waste minimization and economic empowerment. In conclusion, the idea of creating environmentally friendly vases out of egg trays as a sustainable solution to waste management problems is supported by the body of existing literature. This project combines innovation, environmental stewardship, and consumer desire for eco-friendly products to address local issues in the Philippines and follow global sustainability trends. Can you determine what is foreign and local of that study? Need Assignment Help?