Glass as a material for Up-cycling.
After conducting research on glass materials, including their composition, the sources of the natural resources used to make them, and the manufacturing process, I have developed a campaign that utilizes unrecyclable glass. Specifically, I have used this glass to create a mixed media painting, with the aim of raising awareness about this material. Additionally, my project demonstrates the potential for upcycling unrecyclable materials and contributing to a circular economy.
Campaign Painting - Mixed Media on Board, 2022
Glass is a highly preferred material for storing products due to its impermeable nature that prevents air and liquids from compromising the flavor and freshness of the content. Moreover, glass does not contain any chemicals that may leak into the stored products, making it a safer option than plastic containers exposed to heat.
In contemporary manufacturing, glass is made from three primary raw components: silica sand (silicon dioxide, SiO2), which accounts for 70-75% of the batch, followed by limestone (calcium oxide, CaO) at approximately 10%, and soda (sodium carbonate, Na2O) at approximately 15%. While these percentages represent industry averages, they may vary depending on the manufacturing method and desired final product.
Despite being a recyclable material with minimal environmental pollution, some glass products are not recyclable. As such, they pose a danger to the environment and can take millions of years to decompose. Examples of such products include nail polish bottles, eye glasses, window glass, mirror glass, coated light bulbs, and crystal drinking wares. In response to this issue, I developed an awareness campaign using mixed media paintings to showcase the potential for upcycling these unrecyclable glass products and contributing to a circular economy.
During my research, I visited a nail salon and discovered that the workers and manager were throwing nail polish bottles in the recycle bin, despite them being unrecyclable. This highlights the need for greater awareness and education around glass recycling. In collaboration with my coursemate Anna, we examined recycle and regular bins in Cambridge city center and found a glass mirror in a recycle bin, which further motivated me to create awareness through my campaign paintings.
In addition to the campaign, I also explored various ways in which unrecyclable glass can be upcycled and utilized, including repurposing glass jars as storage for pens and pencils, using them as tea light candle holders for home décor, using old glass bottles as vases, and storing cereals in glass jars.
While I was only able to complete one painting for my project submission, I plan to create a series of paintings and exhibit them to further raise awareness on the importance of upcycling unrecyclable glass products and promoting a circular economy.
Sources:
https://blog.bccresearch.com/why-is-glass-so-important
www.vidrala.com, V.I.D.R.A.L.A. (no date) How is glass made?
Glass Manufacturing Process, Vidrala. Available at:
https://www.vidrala.com/en/vidrala/productive-process/ (Accessed: December 5, 2022).
https://www.carmeuse.com/na-en/references/case-studies-success-stories/limestone-glassmaking-what-you-need-know
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