Make Greenville Green Again: Recycle Glass

As Greenville, SC claims to be a "progressive city," backtracking byway of no longer recycling glass hurts both its reputation and its residents.

Between 12-20% of all recycled material in Greenville is glass. That is a grotesque amount of additional waste now going to our already overflowing landfills, further polluting the air we breathe.

Below are a few statistics to back the necessity of recycling glass:
- Recycled glass saves 50% energy versus glass from new, raw material
- Recycling one glass container saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours
- Recycled glass generates 20% less air pollution and 50% less water pollution
- One ton of glass made from 50% recycled materials saves 250 pounds of mining waste.

The benefits of recycling glass easily outweigh the cost, especially when the long term effects are taken into consideration. We must take responsibility and begin establishing a proactive culture.

This issue is our issue, and must be strongly addressed. It's up to us to express to Greenville County and Pratt Industries our concerns. This is our home. As Greenville residents, it's our job and privilege to ban together in order to spark the conversations that will initiate change. There is a solution. And embracing open dialogue is how we will uncover it.

"Let's Make Greenville Green Again."