Every once in a while, you come across an organization with an exciting mission that you want to support. This was the case when we were approached by Freddie Striano, co-founder of Upcycled, a Howard County-based startup that upcycles plastics into benches, picnic tables and raised garden beds. Freddie and Upcycled were interested in partnering with organizations in Savage to lead several trash cleanups of the Savage Mill trail, collect the recyclable plastics, and upcycle them. If that wasn’t already generous enough, they offered to donate some of the resulting benches to the Savage community.

The Mill and several other organizations in Savage were immediately on board. Upcycled scheduled three cleanups of the beautiful Savage Mill Trail and the area around the Mill this year. The first two were held earlier this summer; the final one is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, at 10 am. Sign up here to participate.

Upcycled is on track to recycle a ton of plastic into reusable items in 2022. They recently contacted us to arrange delivery of a bench to place on Mill property. We selected a vacant corner near the New Weave entrance from the Big Lot. It’s a welcome place for shoppers and Terrapin Adventures’ guests to take a break and people-watch.

We look forward to working with Upcycled and other organizations that are spearheading additional sustainable initiatives!