It's Not Easy Being Green

I've always tried to make better choices when it comes to the products I buy.  Or even better, I try not to buy anything new if I know there's an alternative—such as used, borrowed or repurposed.  But sometimes you just want new. That's when you need to make extra effort to make your something new at least something reused.

This week that I wanted to get some new glassware for our home.  The glasses we'd bought many years ago had dwindled down to just a couple mismatched and pathetic pieces that have survived abuse and accidents.  We haven't entertained in quite a while and so I had been putting off buying anything new.  But something had to be done.

I thought I would buy some recycled glassware—how hard could that be?

It's pretty difficult actually.  For one thing, you just don't get the same kind of selection and the options you do have are far more expensive and limited in colors and styles.  Many of the store personnel I spoke to didn't even know that their own store actually carried recycled glassware.

Granted I only tried a few stores, but it was quite frustrating to say the least. Crate & Barrel had options that were overpriced, yet nice. Cost Plus World Market had just one option that was a little less expensive.  Macy's did not have one recycled glass option.  Pier 1, had quite a few options but all the same style and the same higher price point.  I tried Homegoods too, but found nothing.

There were online options but they were similar to the ones I found in stores and sometimes even more expensive.  I had worn myself out looking for glassware and by the end of my day I went home empty handed.

One place I didn't look is thrift stores for some used glasses. The odds are they might not match, but maybe the new environmental mission I should embark upon is shabby chic.  Mix and match those glasses to make them unique and a statement about my values.  They certainly would be inexpensive and sustainable. You really can't do better environmentally then by going with used.

The issue has to do with demand and whether people clamor for more recycled products to purchase for their homes.  So far most of these wares can only be found online because the clientele just isn't as prominent for these products.  I hope to see this change.

Is there something you can do?  Of course.  Write a letter and let your favorite store know you want to see more options.  Tell them you had to venture elsewhere to buy what you needed and hopefully if they hear from enough customers they might rethink what they stock.

For now, I will just have to do with what we have until I find the answer to the sustainable glassware dilemma.