Currently
I’m reading the book “sculpture and design with recycled glass” by Cindy Ann
Coldiron. It features artists that turn recycled glass into beautiful
sculptures, has step-by-step instructions on how to create some glass projects
that I would like to tackle next year, and highlights green glass companies
such as California-based Fire & Light. I’m always on the lookout for
contemporary green glassware since it seems hard to come by in the US. Usually
during my Christmas break in Europe I pick up some tumblers and wine glasses
made of 100% extra-clear recycled glass by La Mediterránea, located in Spain.
As much as I love their designs and commitment to the environment I would
prefer to buy recycled glassware that’s locally produced.
Fire
& Light was founded in 1995 as a partnership between the Arcata Community
Recycling Center in Humboldt County, California, and local investors. Since
then John and Natali McClurg purchased the company in 1999 and nowadays the
line of colored glass dinnerware can be found in many galleries and stores. The
contemporary looking glassware line is created by melting
crushed glass in
furnaces, adding pigment, and pressing the molten glass into bowls, plates, and
glasses that have a very distinct look. Each piece is made one at a time and
the process can take up to three days. If you would like to learn more about
how the company turns broken glass into beautiful pieces of utilitarian art
make sure to check out their video about the glass making progress. It also
mentions that every day in the US we throw out enough glass to fill the Empire
State Building twice.
The hand-poured glass tableware collection includes bowls, plates,
glasses as well as artful vases and is made with over ninety percent of
recycled glass. In the spirit of upcoming New Year’s Eve I’m especially
enchanted with the eco-friendly goblets and martini glasses since they help to
ring in the New Year with sustainable style. Here’s to a happy and greener New
Year!
(In case you have been wondering what I've been up to for the last few months check out my weekly posts for the style/design section at Organic Spa Magazine.)
