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

An Upcycling Design Challenge is being issued by the Township of Langley in partnership with the Langley Arts Council, and interested participants are encouraged to start turning trash into treasure.

"Upcycling involves taking waste material that would otherwise end up in our landfills and making it into something more valuable or useful," said Township Solid Waste Coordinator and event organizer Krista Daniszewski. "Candy wrappers can be turned into a purse, old glass bottles may make a funky chandelier - the options are limited only by your own creativity."

Residents of both the Township and the City 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 8-13 and will be judged by the Langley Arts Council. Prizes will be awarded for the winning pieces.

Upcycling Design Challenge pieces will be displayed to the public at the Art Council's Gallery at 20550 Fraser Hwy. on Thursday, April 18, 6: 30-9: 30 p.m..

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

"The amount of waste thrown away each day is staggering.

We are overusing our resources and filling up our landfills at an incredible rate," Daniszewski said. "The Upcycling Design Challenge aims to remind people that, with a little creativity, what was old can be new again - perhaps even better than it once was. As well, the exhibit will showcase budding artists in Langley and bring the community out for an enjoyable evening."

For rules and entry information visit tol.ca/upcycling.