Out with the new and in with the old. And as we're greening our collective conscience, upcycling trends are allowing people around the world to turn their old garments, accessories and furniture into creative new designs.

Upcycling is a great way to be artistic and resourceful without having to pay for something new.

By taking a few unwanted items in the house and then slicing, cutting, gluing or simply painting, you can create beautiful and imaginative new objects.

Many things can be upcycled, from turning old buckets into stools, vintage tennis racquets into mirror frames and old encyclopaedias into coffee tables.

Take, for instance, Adam Levin's fanciful range of bespoke furniture, Ball & Neon, the range of revamped ball-and-claw furniture we featured recently.

If you don't have old things hanging about the house to inspire your upcycling, you might find something inspiring at the swapping mall this weekend.

South Africa's first swapping mall will be launched by Capitec Bank. You can swap discarded items you might have lying around the house or your upcycled creations for other items.

The two-day mall will allow Johannesburg residents to swap their accessories, homeware, books, toys, fashion, designs and art with other upcycling enthusiasts. The only rule is no cash should change hands.

With shortages of food, water, oil and coal, we are becoming more aware that resources are limited.

Upcycling is sustainable and has a positive impact on the environment. It's a great way to revamp all aspects of your life, be it fashion or the items you hold dear in your home.

Upcycling and swapping are cost-effective because you do not have to spend.

Though the swapping mall will run for only two days, you can have swapping events with friends and family.

The swapping mall is on Saturday and Sunday at Atlas Studios, Milpark, Braamfontein between 10am and 4pm.