Sen. Rockefeller Presses for Vote on Bill Suspending EPA Regulatory Authority
West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D) has indicated he will urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for a floor vote on his legislation that would prohibit EPA regulation of stationary sources for a period of two years. Earlier this summer, a resolution introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was brought up for a vote and failed to pass. Several Democrats from heavy manufacturing based states who voted against the Murkowski resolution anticipated they would have the opportunity to vote for Sen. Rockefeller’s scaled back compromise.
GPI Partners with Keep America Beautiful for Recycle Glass Week and America Recycles Day Events
Events Planned Across the Country for Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is teaming up with Keep America Beautiful Inc. (KAB), the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization, to promote GPI’s Recycle Glass Week and KAB’s America Recycles Day, a nationally-recognized day for community-driven initiatives dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.
“GPI is delighted to partner with such an extraordinary organization to advance recycling in communities across the country,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “Keep America Beautiful’s America Recycles Day and GPI’s Recycle Glass Week are two great events that share a common purpose: educating consumers about the environmental benefits of recycling and encouraging action.”
“Uniting our resources, networks and constituents to promote recycling helps amplify our shared message,” said Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. “Recycling is the easiest thing that any individual or organization can do to save energy, protect our treasured natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And it has never been more important.”
During GPI’s second annual Recycle Glass Week, September 12-18, communities across the U.S. will unite with glass container manufacturers, suppliers, and recyclers, to hold local activities and events to build awareness and boost glass bottle recycling. Check out the events happening in your area. More are added every day.
Glass is safe for you and the environment. What more could you want out of a package?
Glass is Pure.
Glass is made from all-natural, sustainable raw materials. It is the preferred packaging for consumer health and the environment. Consumers prefer glass packaging:
- for maintaining the purity of food and beverages (78 percent),
- preserving a product’s taste or flavor (75 percent),
- and maintaining the integrity or healthiness of foods and beverages (82 percent)
(According to a 2006 survey conducted by Newton Marketing & Research of Norman, Oklahoma.)
Glass is the only packaging material rated “GRAS” or “generally regarded as safe” by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Glass has a Premium Image.
No other packaging material matches the shelf impact of glass.
The clarity, shape, and feel of glass containers contribute to the premium image of products ranging from fine perfumes to liquor to gourmet foods and beverages.
Glass is 100% Recyclable.
- Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly with no loss in quality or purity.
- Glass recycling is a closed loop system, creating no additional waste or by-products.
- Glass is a mono-material, meaning it is not made up of several different materials.
Glass is Sustainable.
Recycling glass reduces consumption of raw materials, extends the life of plant equipment, such as furnaces, and saves energy.
Energy costs drop about 2-3% for every 10% recycled glass used in the glass making process. Recycling one glass bottle saves enough energy to power a 60-watt bulb for four hours, a computer for 30 minutes or a television for 20 minutes.
Every 10% increase in recycled glass =
- 10% decrease in sulfur dioxide (SO2)
- 6% decrease in nitrogen oxide (NOx)
- 17% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2)
- 2.5% reduction in electricity and natural gas
- 6 degree Celsius reduction in furnace temperature
- 9.5% reduction in raw materials
Sweden’s Gripsholm Distillery has made its Kanon Organic Vodka available to the U.S. market. Kanon Organic Vodka is distilled from locally grown organic wheat and uses a unique organic distillation process. The vodka is packaged in a 750 mL bottle that is made from more than 60 percent recycled glass, and its distillery runs on wind and water power.
Order the Flexo Color Guide - Edition X »
Use our Carbon Calculator to find out how much energy you can save by recycling your glass containers.
About the institute
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI also has associate members that represent a broad range of suppliers and closure manufacturers.
