When it comes to material to make everyday items, glass is one of the most beautiful as well as green materials. One of the main reasons it is environmentally-friendly is that it can be endlessly recycled. When recycled, plastic and paper are actually down-cycled, meaning they are made into a product of lesser quality. Eventually they cannot be recycled and end up in the landfill. Of course we should continue to recycle our paper and plastic, but we must do so with the understanding that we're prolonging their time of use before they will ultimately be discarded. Glass, on the other hand, can be recycled into a new glass product of equal quality.

It’s unfortunate that many grocery store items in recent years have switched from glass to plastic packaging. Hopefully we will see a reversal of this trend as companies take more responsibility for their effects on the environment and consumer demand for glass increases.

Here are some companies making recycled glass products I'd love to have in my home:

Fire and Light is a company creating colored glass tableware from recycled glass. The company was started as a partnership with the Arcata Community Recycling Center in Humboldt County, California. They are made of over 91% recycled glass and come in a rainbow of different colors. Visit their website to find a retailer that sells their tableware.

The Green Glass Company is based in Wisconsin and sells a variety of glasses and vases made from recycled glass. My favorite is the “Assorted Clear Pop”, a set of 4 tumblers made from old soda bottles with the colorful bottle design still in place.

Looking to remodel your kitchen? Vetrazzo has some beautiful countertop options made from recycled glass which makes up 85% of the material. They even track where the glass came from and provide you with a Certificate of Transformation that tells you the story of the glass that makes up the product that you bought. And when you have gotten years of use out of your countertop and you decide to replace it, Vetrazzo will take it back and recycle it into new countertops.

Vivaterra is a company committed to selling sustainable, earth and people-friendly products for the home. Among their many products they sell many recycled glass products. Some of my favorites include the Recycled Glass Terrarium in the shape of a pear. It comes with sand and four air plants that need minimal maintenance but create a beautiful display for your home or a great gift for a nature lover. I love the bright colors of the Sol Recycled Mini Glass Bowls and Saucers set. And the Recycled Glass Live Edge Servers would be great for parties.

Let us know in the comments if you have come across any great recycled glass products!