Coastal and Marshland Restoration
Why is Crushed Glass the Sustainable Solution to Coastal Wetland Erosion?
Cost Effective Replacement
for scarce global sand supply
Millions of Tons
of glass recycled yearly
Added Protection
from natural disasters and hurricanes
The Problem
Several Meters of Protective Coastline Lost Each Year
There are numerous factors that contribute to coastline erosion. Ultimately, the loss of a protective coastline has severe consequences for coastal communities. As the shoreline recedes, infrastructure such as homes, roads, and businesses becomes increasingly vulnerable to the encroaching sea. In addition, the erosion of protective coastlines can result in the degradation of vital habitats for marine life, disrupting ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.
The Global Supply of Coarse Sand
is Scarce
Sand is the second-most used resource on Earth, after water. The demand for construction sand, particularly coarse sand with angular particles, has been increasing due to rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and construction activities worldwide. The over-extraction and depletion of natural sand resources are leading to environmental degradation and ecological imbalances. At its current rate of growth, sand extraction is simply unsustainable.
Millions of Tons of Glass Waste End Up In Our Landfills Every Year
Despite recycling initiatives in many communities across the United States, only about 31% of all glass waste is recycled each year. That means millions of tons of otherwise recyclable glass ends up in landfills. With concerted effort to improve the glass recycling rate across the country, there could be a significantly larger supply of glass waste which can be repurposed to help the environment in the form of glass sand.
The Solution
Recycled Glass to Replenish Sand & Restore Coastlines/Wetlands/Marshes
Glass, originating from sand, can be easily pulverized into clean sand and aggregate. Resilient and non-biodegradable, it remains intact in the environment for centuries, making it an ideal option for replenishing natural sand reserves. Once collected and processed into sand, glass waste is ready for coastal restoration. The process involves bagging, layering, and planting glass sand aggregate. These biodegradable bags degrade within six months, facilitating the regrowth of natural grasses and aiding in the restoration of coastlines, wetlands, and marshes.
A Long-term, Sustainable Alternative to Dredging and Mining
Dredging and mining to gather sand is a very invasive technique that costs millions of dollars annually to maintain. Using glass sand in place of natural sand helps to solve these problems. Recycled glass has a myriad of uses and efficient glass recycling should be in every community’s comprehensive waste management program. Recycling glass diverts it from community landfills and incinerators, reducing strain on local waste management systems and the environment.