United Nations
“Eco-Glass, Future Lasts” delves into the world of glass recycling, focusing on Spring Pool Glass, a Taiwanese company leading the way in sustainable practices. Inspired by a shared vision of environmental responsibility, our team investigated the circular economy and its implementation through glass recycling. Spring Pool Glass, with over 50 years of history, exemplifies how traditional craftsmanship and modern technology can turn waste into desired products. From creating eco-friendly construction materials to conducting educational workshops, Spring Pool Glass fosters community engagement and environmental awareness. We documented this journey through interviews, on-site visits, and collaborative research, showcasing the role of glass recycling in conserving resources, reducing waste, and combating climate change. Our project serves as both an educational platform and a call to action, inspiring individuals and industries to embrace sustainable practices and unite in building a greener future.
While the concept of recycling has stuck with us since elementary school, our vision of “recycling” was primarily confined towards plastic. We knew that plastic went in a separate bin, that plastic can kill marine animals through entanglement and consumption, and that microplastic can infiltrate our bodies to adversely impact our health. However, during 10th grade chemistry, amidst our excited chatters, the sound of shattered glass and a shriek from a fellow classmate pierced the air. As others moved to check on the student, we were tasked with sweeping up the glass, which we then moved to dispose of in the nearest bin, mourning the loss of a beaker which could have lasted several years more. Unfortunately, we were reprimanded for not recycling the glass, a mistake which prompted us to reflect on gaps in our knowledge regarding glass recycling. It turns out, glass is a 100% recyclable material which, due to its long decomposition duration of 4,000 years, has high implications for the recycling industry. This mishap served as the main incentive for us to select eco-friendly glass and circular economy for research, educating us on the mechanisms behind glass recycling and its potential for profit in recycling companies.
Our project is aimed at a diverse range of audience, ranging from environmentally conscious individuals who want to make a change to businesses and educators seeking sustainable solutions in production and trade. For students and educators, our project serves as an educational resource that demonstrates the practicality of the circular economy and encourages innovative thinking in addressing environmental challenges in a business. For local and international communities, it highlights Taiwan’s leadership in glass recycling and demonstrates how sustainable practices can be effectively implemented in industry, inspiring other countries to do the same. Additionally, the project appeals to policymakers and entrepreneurs by providing insights into the role of companies like Spring Pool Glass in driving sustainability, possibly driving sponsorships to such businesses, who are trying to make a change. By sharing this story, we hope to inspire collaboration and action across age groups, professional fields, and geographical boundaries, sharing a collective responsibility for a greener and eco-friendly future.