Skateboards reimagined – how creative upcycling gives waste a new life
Every year, over 146 million tons of waste fill U.S. landfills, but Eric Fletcher of Mansfield, Ohio, is helping reduce that pile by upcycling old skateboards into new, creative products. What started as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a small business called 3rd Life Upcycling. Fletcher transforms discarded skateboards into furniture, art, trophies, Bluetooth speakers, and other items, often sourcing materials from local skateboard shops and community donations. He’s passionate about sustainability and hopes to inspire others to rethink waste by turning trash into something valuable. Fletcher emphasizes that upcycling, unlike recycling, upgrades existing objects without breaking them down, keeping more items out of landfills. As skateboarding enjoys a resurgence, Fletcher also appreciates how it connects people with the outdoors, something he wants to encourage his own children to embrace. His work reflects a growing movement of makers using creativity to promote environmental responsibility. Learn more about this project.
Image source: Unsplash