From kitchen habits to climate action: how glass can change the world

Big changes often start with small habits. As South Africa celebrates National Recycling Month this September, The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC), South Africa’s official Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for glass packaging, is reminding us that something as simple as rinsing and recycling a glass jar can ripple out into cleaner cities, lower carbon emissions, and a healthier planet.

Think about your favourite wine bottle to that coffee jar you emptied at breakfast, to many, they’re just empty containers. In reality, glass is more than just packaging, it’s a renewable resource, a contributor to a sustainable future, and an opportunity for everyone to make a tangible difference.

Glass is endlessly recyclable without losing quality. Every bottle or jar you recycle can become new glass again, reducing the need for raw materials, conserving energy, and lowering carbon emissions. By choosing to recycle glass, consumers are taking a simple, yet powerful step towards protecting our environment.

“Recycling isn’t just about throwing something into a different bin. It’s about how we choose to live and the value we place on our environment,” says Shabeer Jhetam, CEO of TGRC. “Glass has a special place in this journey because it’s infinitely recyclable, every bottle you return is a direct contribution to a greener South Africa.”

Individual actions matter, but real change happens when communities work together. When people come together to make glass recycling a priority, the difference is much greater. Streets stay cleaner, our environment greener, and future generations benefit from a culture that prioritises sustainability.

So, how can you help? Start by making glass recycling part of your routine. Rinse your bottles and jars. Drop them off at your nearest glass recycling bank. You can easily find your closest glass bank here. Encourage friends, family and neighbours to do the same. Together, small actions can create a ripple effect that leads to real, meaningful change.

As the climate crisis looms larger, the question isn’t whether we should act, it’s how. Adopting simple habits like glass recycling proves that individuals are not powerless. We can shift the needle on sustainability, one bottle at a time.

The glass you recycle today is more than waste management. It’s a vote for the kind of future you want to create.

About TGRC:

TGRC’s mandate is to increase awareness of glass recycling in South Africa. The team are passionate about ensuring every South African realises the value of recycling glass and actively embraces this practice. TGRC believes in the infinite potential of glass to make a real and positive contribution to society. TGRC is committed to prove that glass recycling is worth the effort!

For info like the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TheGlassRecyclingCo/ or visit www.tgrc.co.za