The University of Kansas does not have an adequate glass recycling program. It is just as important to recycle glass products as it is to recycle paper, aluminum and plastic products. Think about all those bear bottles that are just thrown away in the trash. Glass is a product that can be recycled completely back to its original self. Unlike glass, plastics are only downgraded, which is not as efficient as glass recycling. Manufacturers are using cullet (broken glass) to supplement raw materials. Using cullet saves money and helps the environment. Cullet costs less than raw materials and prolongs furnace life wince it melts at a lower temperature. Cullet also demands less energy from power sources like electricity, natural gas and coal. Less energy used means reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, both are green house gasses (http://www.solidwastedistrict.com/stats/glass.html).
Though it is vital to recycle plastics, they will never be recycled back to its original self. This process is called downgrading. Most recycled plastics are recycled into non-recyclable secondary products. Since most plastic reprocessing leads to secondary products that are not themselves recycled, this material is only temporarily diverted from landfills. Our choice is limited to recycling or wasting. Source reduction is preferable for many types of plastic and isn’t difficult. Opportunities include using refillable containers like those indestructible Nalgene water bottles. Also to buy in bulk from stores like Costco and Sam’s club. It’s also important to buy things that don’t need much packaging, and buying things in recyclable and recycled packages (http://www.ecologycenter.org/ptf/misconceptions.html).
- Rion
Editor’s Note: This post is one in a series published by students in the Sustainability Learning Community at KU. Additional posts from this series can be found under “LC” on the Categories list.
Rita said,
November 21, 2008 at 10:39 am
Plastic fencing made from milk jugs right here in Pennsylvania can be recycled/ground up over & over again and made into new fencing – cradle-to-cradle. Close the Loop has been working to build the market for “glass mulch” – it lasts a thousand years & is beautiful…It also makes a great aggregate for drainage, it’s tumbled to remove sharp edges. We are working to get people over their fear of glass and convince them to use alternative materials – recycled glass/rubber for durable inorganic mulches. You can learn more at http://www.closetheloop.com
Taylor H. said,
December 3, 2008 at 9:51 pm
It is such a hassle to take my glass recyclables to Walmat every week. I think we need to have more regulations state wide on recycling in general, especially glass. I found a website that lists what other states are doing, and I found it fascinating! It’s great that places are finally taking the steps towards becoming green, but unfortunately, KU is not one of them. It may be hard and a bit dangerous, but it would also be realistic, considering the amount of parties thrown around campus, and the number of glass bottles I see in the trash cans in the mornings.