Glass can be recycled and reused forever, but unfortunately, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only 28% of the glass Americans buy actually gets recycled. If you’re part of that percentage, the environment thanks you. If you’re not, here are some tips and ideas to help you get started.
Make Money
The more bottles you save, the more money you could earn. In California, there’s a program called California Redemption Value. When you bring your cans, bottles, etc. to a recycling center, you can earn 5 cents for each beverage container that is less than 24 ounces and 10 cents for items over 24 ounces.
Shutterstock
Decorate
If the wine bottle you bought is just too pretty to part with, use it as decor. Turn it into a chandelier, a flower vase, and more. You can even sell these things if you get good enough. Never let your glass go to waste by sitting in a garbage can.
Clean for Green
If you choose to recycle, which you should, make sure you are cleaning your items. The products should be completely dry and sanitized in order to be recycled into new materials. Some wineries even let you bring an empty wine bottle for you to receive a refill. As long as you’re using the bottle more than once, you’re recycling!
Shutterstock
What Could Happen?
When you recycle your glass, aluminum, and more, you are creating jobs. The Container Recycling Institution says that recycling 1,000 tons of glass creates eight jobs. You’d be helping the environment and the economy. Win-win!
Shutterstock
