Know what you can recycle
More people than ever are recycling and we couldn’t be happier – the glass industry love to use recycled glass when they manufacture new containers but not all types of glass can be used in production.
We live in a wasteful society. Glass wants to change that. At Friends of Glass, we are constantly looking for opportunities to promote environmental awareness, which is why we took part in European Waste Reduction Week in 2013. Read more about this initiative and how glass helps our environment
Did you know that each year in the European Union alone, we throw away more than 3 billion tonnes of waste? That’s billions—with a ‘b’. Around 90 million tonnes of this waste is hazardous. With so much waste, it’s clear that careful management and disposing of this waste, without damaging our environment, is a major concern for everyone.
That’s why the European Commission began an initiative in 2009 to promote awareness, and supportive action for, sustainable resources and waste management. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is the mantra of this initiative, and it’s easy to see how using glass containers coincides perfectly with the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR).
One of the great things about glass is that it can be recycled again and again without losing its clarity or purity. Making glass bottles and jar from recycled glass also helps to conserve energy. According to Wrap.org.uk, the energy you can save from recycling just ONE glass bottle will:
Make sure to visit the European Commission’s website about Waste Reduction Week to see what’s happening in your area, and what you can do to raise awareness about waste reduction.
What changes do you plan on applying to your life to help reduce your waste? Share with us on Facebook or tweet us at @FriendsofGlass