Calculate your carbon footprint by recycling glass

You can calculate the amount of carbon you save by recycling glass in your area.

Due to its heavy weight, manufacturing glass products from virgin material carries an astronomical footprint. However, for every 10 percent recycled glass used in the manufacturing process, there is a 2-3 percent drop in energy costs.

GPI’s carbon calculator will give you an idea of just how much energy you’re saving when recycling a glass container. The number is based on an average-sized container, such as a baby food jar. So, heavier items like champagne bottles count double.

If you recycle just five containers per week, you can save enough energy to light a CFL for almost two days; operate a computer for one hour and 40 minutes; operation a television for one hour and six minutes.