Upcycling: marketing ploy, movement or badge of honor?

Is that really what I've been doing all these years, upcycling? I honestly didn't know it had become something to be so proud of, nor was I aware it had a full-fledged name. To some degree crafting works out of refuse is a way of commenting on our disposable society. Yet, it's also about basic economics and common sense. Why go out and buy wood when there's plenty left over from remodeling projects? Sure, initially maybe a bit of angst was tied to it, defying the adage that fine art be made of the finest materials, but when it comes down to it, shopping for stuff people are throwing away is kinda stupid. That being said, I think there's a difference between junk that's been "upcycled" into something that still looks like junk and that which has been turned into an object that folks feel compelled to fork over a good amount of cash for. Next time you're on the hunt for something unique, ask yourself, "Is this something I desire because it's been upcycled or something I just plain desire?"