What happens if you burn sand
Although many people consider glass and crystal to be the same, the truth is different. Scientifically they are completely different materials, although visually they are very similar. Therefore, when it comes to recycling glass or crystal, doubts may arise, something that does not usually happen with the recycling of plastics; however, today we will solve these questions with the article we have prepared for you about the differences between glass and crystal.
The composition of glass is different from that of crystal, this being one of the main reasons why each of the materials must be deposited in different recycling containers. This is because the melting process requires different temperatures. Taking this into account, let’s continue knowing the differences between glass and crystal, in order to know if you are recycling correctly.
Glass is a hard, transparent material with amorphous characteristics. Among its compounds we find silica sand, sodium carbonate and limestone. In order to obtain glass it is necessary to melt the aforementioned compounds at about 1,500° C. It is usually used for bottles, such as those for soft drinks, water, beer, wine, among others.
Silica sand
Glass bottles can be recycled by refilling them and putting them back into circulation; melting them down to make glass to make new bottles or they can also be reduced back to their essential element (mineral powder).
Whether it is a green marketing action to give notoriety to the brand, or out of a true ecological commitment, the New Zealand brewing company “DB Brewery” has developed a machine that is able to transform beer bottles into sand. The reason is that on many beaches in their country this element is becoming scarce.
How window glass is made
This recycling reduces the amount of waste that is then taken to landfill, saving both raw materials and energy compared to making glass from new raw materials.
Every kilogram of recycled material can be reused and recycled again. Glass is an ideal material for recycling, as it can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing its properties.
The use of recycled glass helps to save the energy of its production (up to 60%), is less expensive, helps to reduce the waste eventually sent to waste plants and landfills and reduces the consumption of raw materials.
Recycled glass requires 26 % less energy than making it from scratch and reduces air emissions from manufacturing by 20 %, polluting 40 % less water, which is equivalent to saving approximately 1.2 kilograms of virgin material, as well as every ton of waste glass that is recycled prevents 315 kilograms of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere during glass manufacturing.[4]
Glass is made from sand
Fortunately, it is not a very polluting material, since its origin is essentially natural, it is made with silica, but it is important to reuse resources to minimize the environmental impact that occurs in the production processes of the containers. We tell you how!
Take note of these alternatives: we find them very original and, in addition, they do not require a great deal of work to put them into practice. You can spend a nice afternoon with your family or relax decorating your home while contributing to maintaining the health of our planet. Are you up for it?
It is essential to be careful in these processes to prevent the glass can break and someone is cut, but in general you can prepare very interesting activities to share with family and take advantage to contribute to the sustainability of the planet. Do not you think a fantastic initiative?