Upcycling Minds

Art. Purpose. Healing.

A student-led movement that nurtures young minds through creativity, sustainability, and community.
Founded by Grisha Doshi, Upcycling Minds transforms discarded materials into art, and art into emotional strength.

Our Mission

“When we reuse what we have, we also renew how we feel.”

We help children care for the planet, and for themselves,through hands-on creativity.
Our programs use upcycling and art-based activities to strengthen mental health, self-esteem, and environmental awareness in young learners.

What We Do

Our Commitment to Excellence

Upcycling Minds bridges environmental sustainability with emotional well-being.
We organize collection drives, art workshops, and community exhibitions that teach students to transform waste into art and stress into calm.

Children learn that healing can be found in creation, that teamwork builds resilience, and that even the smallest act of care makes a difference.

How It Works

Bridging environmental sustainability with emotional well-being

The Collection Drive – Building Awareness

Students collect clean recyclable materials like plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and newspapers. Each item earns them an eco-token, which can be redeemed for treats or eco-friendly gifts.

Creative Upcycling Workshop – Learning Through Expression

Grade 4 students participate in hands-on workshops to create:

Paper mâché sculptures
Decorative cans & mini planters
Hanging crafts & pencil holders

Arts Week – Celebrating Creativity

Grades 3 and 4 come together to exhibit their upcycled art, share sustainability stories, and exchange tokens for rewards.

This event transforms the classroom into a gallery of purpose and pride, reinforcing that well-being grows through participation.

The Mental Health Connection

Why Art Matters

Art provides a safe space for children to express what they can’t yet put into words.
It reduces anxiety, builds focus, and fosters self-esteem.
When paired with sustainability, it adds purpose, giving children a reason to create beyond themselves.

Self-Expression

Through art-making and design challenges

Empathy

Through community-driven collection drives

Mindfulness

Through repetitive, calming crafting tasks

Purpose

Through sustainability and visible impact

Connection

Through teamwork and shared exhibitions

Well-being

Mental health starts with purpose and belonging

NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER

From Grisha Doshi

“I started Upcycling Minds because I’ve seen how powerful creativity can be for healing. Many young students face anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt, yet give them a brush, a bottle, or a bit of clay, and you’ll see them light up. They stop worrying and start creating.”

“This project isn’t just about recycling waste, it’s about recycling thoughts. It’s about teaching students that transformation is always possible, no matter how small the start.”

“Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and capable. Upcycling Minds gives them that, through art, community, and care.”

— Grisha Doshi,
Founder, Upcycling Minds
Student, International Baccalaureate PYP Programme

The Upcycling ECA (2025–2026)

Building on the success of the pilot year, Grisha proposes a full-year Upcycling Extracurricular Activity (ECA) for Grades 4 and 5.

“This project isn’t just about recycling waste, it’s about recycling thoughts. It’s about teaching students that transformation is always possible, no matter how small the start.”

“Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and capable. Upcycling Minds gives them that, through art, community, and care.”