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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Raise a glass!

Why do we as a country only recycle about 1/3 of our glass containers when, according to earth911.com, "every ton of glass that is recycled results in one ton of raw materials saved to process new glass, including: 1,300 pounds of sand, 410 pounds of soda ash and 380 pounds of limestone."? That's a clear environmental benefit, if you ask me (no pun intended!).

Well, perhaps we just need to see more of the inspiring new forms discarded bottles can take. Here are a few of my favorite beverage glasses, all made from 100% recycled glass:


Another reason to love a cool bottle of Aranciata....it reincarnates beautifully! Stemless Wine Glasses Made From Recycled Aranciata Bottles are $40 for 4, available through Etsy.



I've coveted these sandblasted Umbra+ Frosine Reclaimed Glasses from Green Depot for quite some time. A set of 4 is $38.95.



These 13 oz tumblers look just like their conventional counterparts but are crafted from 100% recycled glass. Luigi Bormioli Recycled Glasses - Set of 4 is only $24.99.



I'm obsessed with the flying, floating freedom of birds and their presence continues to pop up in my home decor. These etched Hummingbird Recycled Glasses (14oz) by artist Alfredo Garcia-Lucio are $39.95 for a 4-pack and certainly belong in my cupboards.
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2 comments:

  1. Barbara K.January 27, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    I live in Hawaii and am sad to say that the recycling opportunities do not live up to what I thought would be ideal for an island with limited space and resources - for example, tin cans are not recyclable, we have a 5 cent refundable deposit on most beverage containers - but if you bring something to the 5 cent deposit place that is not a 5 cent bottle, they won't accept it (even if it is glass/plastic 1/2, etc.) You have to then take it to a separate place if you don't have curbside pickup. Office and newspaper cannot go in curbside pickup - has to go to a separate, separate place, and finally paperboard (like cereal boxes) is not recyclable. Good luck if you have somethng crazy like carpet or other plastics. It makes me sad. Although, I will say that solar is taking off pretty well here :-)

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  2. baby greenFebruary 1, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Ugh, that is pretty sad, especially for our most beautiful state!! If you have the time and energy, please write to your legislators. Change will be slow, but it won't come around at all if each concerned voice doesn't keep speaking up in some way.

    Also, I know people in suburban areas who get creative and set up recycling co-ops, where one neighbor collects recyclables from 3-4 other neighbors and delivers them to each collection location. This way, you're only doing it once a month or less. Alternatively, one neighbor could be in charge of plastics, another cardboard, etc etc.

    It's great that solar energy has found its place there.

    Thanks for reading and keep the comments coming!!

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