Why discarded glass?

From Trash to Treasure: Why We Transform Discarded Glass into Eco Gems

At first glance, discarded glass might seem like an unlikely starting point for creating beautiful, meaningful jewelry. Liquor and wine bottles, used cosmetic containers, and window glass are often discarded end up in landfills. But at CLED, we see things differently. For us, discarded glass isn’t just waste. It’s a story waiting to be told.

The Beauty of the Discarded

Why discarded glass? It began with a beach cleanup where we discovered beautiful sea glass. That moment inspired a vision: what if any discarded glass could be transformed into a treasure?

Glass is one of the most endlessly recyclable materials. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), glass can be recycled repeatedly without losing its purity or quality. Yet, despite its recyclable nature, a huge amount of glass still ends up in landfills. In 2018 alone, the EPA reported that over 7.6 million tons of glass waste were generated in the U.S., but only 31.3% of it was recycled. This means millions of tons of glass waste sit in landfills, waiting to be transformed into something beautiful.

Every Piece Has a Story

Make your own story with our personalized jewelry

At CLED, we collect discarded glass from local businesses and give it a second life. Each piece holds its own story a wine bottle shared over dinner, or a window that once framed a view. The glass captures these moments, and when transformed into jewelry, those stories live on, carrying their history forward.

Sustainability Meets Creativity

Recycling one ton of glass saves 600 pounds of sand, 170 pounds of limestone, and 150 pounds of soda ash. (Glass Package Institute - Facts About Glass Recycling) The raw materials used to produce new glass. By repurposing discarded glass, we help conserve these resources and reduce the environmental impact of mining and manufacturing.

Our process blends sustainability with creativity, showing that eco-conscious design can be both beautiful and deeply meaningful. Each piece of CLED jewelry transforms waste into wearable art.

Our Vision for the Future

Our mission at CLED is simple: to create jewelry that tells a story, respects the planet, and celebrates individuality. Discarded glass is just the beginning.We aim to encourage a new mindset, inspiring others to rethink waste and see materials from a fresh perspective. By doing so, we hope to demonstrate their potential for transformation.

From trash to treasure, each piece of CLED jewelry is a celebration of the beauty in reimagining. Together, we can create a future where sustainability and style coexist. In this future, the discarded can shine brighter than ever.