The Upcycle

From the visionary authors of Cradle to Cradle comes the next step in our ecological evolution: The Upcycle

In their groundbreaking book Cradle to Cradle, William McDonough and Michael Braungart presented a revolutionary design framework for creating products and systems that actively improve the natural world. A decade later, The Upcycle shows the green living lessons gained from putting this eco-effective concept into practice with businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide.

For McDonough and Braungart, our current ecological crisis is a design challenge. They envision a future where we don’t just efficiently use resources, but actually enhance the environment through our creativity and production. The Upcycle takes readers on an inspiring tour of this emerging green future, from reimagined everyday objects like chairs and cars to next-generation factories that improve the planet.

As ambitious as Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring yet strikingly different in mission, The Upcycle aims to transform our understanding of humanity’s impact on earth. Why simply protect the planet from harm when we can redesign our activity to leave it better than we found it? With practical tools, motivational stories, and a grounded yet visionary philosophy, The Upcycle illuminates the path to an ecologically prosperous future within our reach.