HOW DOES GLASS AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT?

Glass is a part of our everyday life, but the processes used to produce this valuable material can also have a damaging effect on our environment. We have come a long way in reducing the environmental impact of glass, with an established recycling industry and more efficient methods of production, but we still need to do a lot more to reduce the impact that the glass industry has on our planet.

Pollution in production

The fuel and raw materials used in glass production release hazardous chemicals, such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides, into the atmosphere. Pollutants can also spread to nearby water sources. Factories now use filters to reduce air pollutants and closely monitor their drainage systems to minimise water pollution.

Energy

Extremely high temperatures are needed to melt the raw materials that make glass. Where possible, factories now use electricity as a heat source, instead of valuable natural resources such as gas and oil. Efficient furnace design also helps to prevent heat loss. Using waste glass alongside raw materials enables manufacturers to use lower temperatures, saving energy and reducing the level of oxides that are released into the atmosphere.

Tourism and pollution

In the developed world over 400 kg of domestic waste (per person) is generated each year. Beautiful locations are popular tourist attractions but they can easily be spoilt by careless waste disposal. More importantly, some litter can be very dangerous to humans, animals and other wildlife. Glass bottles left lying around can trap small animals, and broken glass is a serious hazard. Never leave your rubbish lying around in public places, and if glass gets broken, wrap it up before you dispose of it in a rubbish bin.

Raw materials

Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of raw materials are quarried each year for the purpose of making glass. Much of this glass is later thrown away as rubbish. Meanwhile, the quarrying continues, causing scarring of the landscape and the loss of many natural habitats.

What you can do

Did you know that recycling glass is one important way that you can help to improve the environment? Recycled glass can be used in glass furnaces to save on raw materials, cut energy costs and reduce pollutants. If you throw glass away it will be discarded in landfill sites, wasting precious natural resources. Instead, recycling saves hundreds of thousands of tonnes of raw materials from being quarried each year and conserves the countryside for everyone.

Picture Credit : Google