Green Glass Sand by Richard Bailey

An increasing number of vegetable Growers are setting out their plots in narrow beds for ease of working. Many, especially those working in their own gardens, are dividing these beds with permanent, paved paths.

At the same time there is increasing awareness of environmental matters amongst growers – especially amongst younger plot holders many of whom have taken allotments to grow healthy food.

With a relatively large garden (and increasing age) I do not have an allotment but am laying out more paths in the garden. These paths are intended to be permanent and are set out on sand. More particularly, they are set out on green glass sand.

Readers interested in environmental matters will know that more green glass, mostly from wine bottles, is being recycled than can easily be used for making new bottles. We have, in fact, a “green glass mountain” (at least this is a change from wine lakes and butter mountains). At the same time there is concern that excavating sand and gravel is causing environmental problems both on land and offshore.

In an effort to counteract both problems the green glass mountain is being crushed to produce green glass sand.

There is not, at present, an enormous demand for green glass sand largely because people do not know it is available. Nonetheless, it is a very useful and positive way to reduce both the glass mountain and the environmental damage that can be caused by excavating sand and gravel. You may have to ask around builders merchants to get a supply but it is available I was given a cubic metre as a Christmas present from two of my children and their partners! And if more people use it then it will become more widely available.

Green glass sand (my sample includes some blue, brown and clear glass) is ideal for using below paving and, probably for other construction work as well. In comparison with natural sand it would probably be described as coarse and gritty. However, it includes particles with a range of sizes, from very fine to 4 mm, and would, therefore, be less suitable for using in potting composts.

If you need sand for paths or other building work think of using green glass sand and give yourself a pat on the back as a good environmentalist when you do.

Site Map | Home | About NVS | Grow & Show | Web Links | News & Events | NVS Shop | Contact | Access | Privacy

Copyright © National Vegetable Society 2006-2007 Design WebOneUK Problems with this site - email
Registered Charity No. 1088979