When I started to read this weeks readings, I was sitting in
my living room when I noticed how much glass is used in the interior
industry. We use glass for
windows, decorative fixtures, light blubs and many other appliances (ex.
televisions, DVD players, computer screens, iphones…etc.) Of course I
imminently thought what happens to all of this glass once the consumer is done
using it?
Normally this is what the recycling process of a glass
bottles would be like:
I thought I would share a couple of interesting facts about
glass.
- · Glass is one of the only materials that never wears out and can be recycled forever.
- · As well as being recyclable, it also reduces pollution by 14-20%.
- · Recycling one glass bottle saves enough electricity to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours.
As you can see, glass is one of the most efficient resources
out there. The question is why
aren’t we using glass as a main source in other products or materials in order
for them to be recyclable and reusable?
Glass has inspired me to use the method “technical nutrients”, which are
products that are manmade and can be fully recycled into high quality materials
for subsequent product generations.
In the interior industry glass is highly used in many
products. After doing some
research I found that they are already making glass that is stronger than steel
and is known to be the toughest, strongest material to be produce. This glass is known as metallic glass. Since glass is a recyclable product, I
believe that we should start designing more products that contain glass in
order for them to be recycled and reused.
For example one concept that has already been in the works is Corning’s
Gorilla Glass. This glass is used
in cell phones, laptops and TV's.
This glass is chemically strengthened with compressions, which helps
prevent cracks and chips. To
better understand the ability of this glass, I’ve provided a video for you to
watch.
This video provides a vision of what 2050 could potentially
be like, but it’s also one that is far technologically advanced. The concept behind this idea is to
start designing structures, furniture systems and other components with glass that would
be integrated into a house or a commercial building in order for this materials
to be recyclable and reusable and for us to move towards a sustainable environment.
Olivia,
ReplyDeleteI think this is very interesting but I'm not too sure how it applies to C2C. You talk about creating products out of strong glass that can be recycled, but what exactly are you proposing? What kind of products do you see being made out of this glass? Are they products that are currently made out of a different material?
Kelsey,
ReplyDeleteThe way I thought C2C could apply to this concept would be recycling old glass from windows, glass bottle, light bulbs etc. and turn the recycled glass into building products or decorative products. As I mentioned they have come up with glass that is as strong as metal which could be used in building structure which can later be easily recycled after the structure is no longer in need.
I was so intrigued by your concept. I went ahead and watched the second video too...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=iv&src_vid=6Cf7IL_eZ38&v=jZkHpNnXLB0&annotation_id=annotation_424843
This seems like such a logical thing to do! If this concept were to be put into place we would reduce (not eliminate) the amount of un-recyclable products. To me it's genius. Great post.
Great idea Olivia! I feel like I learned a lot by reading your post. However, I am wondering how glass actually reduces pollution?
ReplyDeleteLindsey and Larissa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. It's amazing what our future may be like. Larissa, I can see glass replacing other sources such as metal, steel, plastic etc. which will help eliminate the process of making these products and they won't end up in land fields. If we were to integrate glass in more of our products then they would be easier to recycle since glass is 100% recyclable.
I think this is some of the best information I have read this semester. I think it is amazing that there is a material that we already commonly use that can be recycled in these ways. My only question is how do use propose an interior based company go about getting recycled glass?
ReplyDelete