The benefits of recycling glass include energy savings, reductions in the demand for raw materials, less waste going to landfill and lower emissions. If recycled glass is used to make new bottles and jars, for every bottle recycled, enough energy is saved to power a computer for 20 minutes, a colour TV for 15 minutes or a washing machine for 10 minutes and for every tonne of recycled glass used 315 kg CO2 are saved every time.
We all do our bit with kerbside collections and domestic recycling rates are on the up in the UK however every year 600,000 tonnes of glass bottles are discarded from pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes in the UK with up to 75% of these ending up in landfill.
For the past nine years, designer Andy Martin has been making his own small contribution towards reducing that figure by collecting discarded bottles from pubs and restaurants in London’s West End and moving them to his workshop in the East End where the bottles are then transformed by hand into a series of charming drinking goblets and dining glasses.
Up until recently Andy has been selling his wares exclusively at various markets across London however following a successful introductory period we are really pleased to announce the entire recycled glassware range is now available from the website.
Turning discarded bottles into glassware is a very energy efficient process compared to recycling the bottles as for this purpose the bottles don’t need to be melted down or re-heated which results in a further reduction in energy requirements by up to 90%. The glasses look great too and are a definite talking point next time guests come for dinner.
The range includes tumblers and glasses made from the distinctive Coca Cola and Corona beer bottles as well as some more unusual styles like the Italian Mineral Water glasses and the gorgeous deep hue of the Blue Mineral Water glasses. To see the entire ‘recycled’ glassware range just visit the recycled glassware section, we hope you like them as much we do!
