As we learn more about the environmental and health impacts of the products we use, more and more people are making an effort to purchase eco-friendly, all-natural, recyclable, and sustainable products. In fact, an international study by Unilever revealed that one-third of consumers are now buying from brands based on their social and environmental impact. While things like organic baby products and organic bed sheets are becoming more common purchases, many people are unaware that recyclable and all-natural products are available for all areas of the home. One product we like to highlight is sustainable glassware. Here are a few ways that buying and recycling glassware benefits the environment.

Conserves Natural Resources
Studies show that between 50% and 80% of glass bottles get recycled today. These recyclables prevent the use of countless resources that would otherwise go into the constant manufacturing of new glass. And while an obvious benefit is keeping glass out of landfills, another benefit is that less energy is required for the melting process itself with recycled glass because the glass sand and recycled content (cullets) have a lower melting point than the raw materials themselves.

Less Waste
For many materials, the manufacturing process is tedious and emits gaseous fumes and significant waste byproducts. The production process of recycled glassware, however, typically produces very little waste. This is because almost all cullets are recycled as soon as possible and put back into the furnaces used in the manufacturing process in order to serve as raw material again.

Slow Climate Change
Many uses for glass help slow climate change and save energy. For example, window insulation and other reinforced glass fibers are often used in the automotive and aviation industries to reduce vehicle weights and fuel consumption. Likewise, superior windows can help decrease energy loss in homes. Finally, glass is often used to assist with the generation of renewable energy using solar-thermal and photovoltaic applications.

If these environmental benefits of glassware aren't enough to convince you that they're a worthwhile investment for your home, consider their aesthetic benefits. Glassware is sleek and stunning, preserves the quality, taste, and nutritional content of foods when properly stored, and can be reused countless times.

According to a recent poll, 38% of 1,000 millennial shoppers said they would “respond positively” to environmentally friendly products. And ultimately, understanding the ways that recyclable and sustainable products benefit the environment is the first step to becoming an eco-conscious consumer. For more information about recycled glassware, contact The Ultimate Green Store.