Calling all creative people with an interest in enhancing the environment.

An Upcycling design challenge has been issued by the Township of 91原创 and the  91原创 Arts Council, encouraging everyone to start turning trash into treasure.

鈥淯pcycling involves taking waste material that would otherwise end up in our landfills and making it into something more valuable or useful,鈥� said Township solid waste co-ordinator and event organizer Krista Daniszewski.

鈥淐andy wrappers can be turned into a purse, old glass bottles may make a funky chandelier 鈥� the options are limited only by your own creativity.鈥�

Residents of both the Township and the City of 91原创 aged 14 and up are invited to take the Challenge by submitting an original creative piece made from at least 75 per cent found or recovered materials.

Submissions must be received between April 8 and 13 and will be judged by the 91原创 Arts Council. Prizes will be awarded for the winning pieces.

Upcycling design challenge pieces will be displayed in an exhibit at the Art Council鈥檚 Gallery at 20550 Fraser Highway on Thursday, April 18, 6:30 鈥� 9:30 p.m., and the public is invited to attend.

The challenge is being held in honour of Earth Day to highlight the importance of waste reduction and the value of re-using.

鈥淭he amount of waste thrown away each day is staggering. We are overusing our resources and filling up our landfills at an incredible rate,鈥� Daniszewski said. 鈥淭he Upcycling design challenge aims to remind people that, with a little creativity, what was old can be new again 鈥� perhaps even better than it once was!  As well, the exhibit will showcase budding artists in 91原创 and bring the community out for an enjoyable evening.鈥�

For full Upcycling eesign challenge rules and entry information visit tol.ca/upcycling.