Blog post 5

My freshman year winter term I took a similar class about waste except we never really had to critically think about these issues. It focused more on the different types of waste management rather than the ethical and environmental implications of waste management in our society. Before this class, I was under the impression that glass was easy to recycle since you can get the same quality material that you put in. I understood the disadvantages to a city wide glass recycling program because of the safety issues and contamination problems.

            In Kansas City, the Boulevard Brewing Company decided a few years ago to create a glass recycling program, Ripple glass, by working with businesses and communities within the Kansas City Metro Area to place pick up locations around the city. From this glass recycling program, Boulevard Brewing Company is able to obtain large amounts of glass to recycle into new bottles for their various beers. That’s why I was initially confused when Carrie Hamilton and others from our field trips mentioned that there is no market for recycled glass in Indianapolis. I was confused because of the popularity of the Ripple Glass and their easily recognizable purple dumpsters around the city extending so far as Oklahoma. To make it convenient, Ripple places dumpsters in visible places in all the different neighborhoods in Kansas City and offers recycling bins to use at home for $5 so residents can collect their glass before dropping it off. Through working with local businesses and consumers, Ripple Glass has dramatically improved glass recycling rates in the city while providing material for the local brewery. But the more I read McBride and reflected on the different things that was said during the field trips I was reminded of the importance of finding local solutions rather than a one-size fits all solution.

            While it pains me to hear that there is no market for recycled glass in Indianapolis, I hope that through cooperation and innovative thinking that Indianapolis can develop a program that equally benefits local communities and businesses. In the meantime, it makes sense for consumers in Indianapolis to cut back on their glass purchases or find ways to repurpose the glass so it doesn’t end up in the landfill or contaminating other recyclable material.