The use of glass for architectural purposes such as keeping out the elements or allowing light into buildings dates to around 29BC and is now indispensable in various applications, including its original purpose.

Unfortunately, unlike glass jars and bottles, the chemical composition of architectural glass prohibits recycling by standard methods, viz. melting and reforming. Some is ground up to form aggregate for roads or pathways, but as this has not been widely embraced in South Africa, most is still destined for landfill sites. Stepping up to the mark, we find C. E. Designs and Westcoast Glass that have come up with another solution.

They save as much as possible by cutting and reworking glass off-cuts and waste into something smaller, decorative and most importantly useful. The result is a range of unique and attractive products including tile splash backs in kitchens, edge trimming for swimming pools, glass coasters and glass or mirror mosaic tiles. For more information contact Geoff at 021 556 4934 or email geopol@telkomsa.net

MULBERRY STARS

Sky lanterns originated during the Three Kingdoms Period (220AD-280AD). The Ancient Chinese released lit paper lanterns into the sky as military communication. Today The Chinese and Taiwanese release them during the Sky-Lantern Festival to bestow wishes upon themselves, friends and relatives. Their wishes are written on the outside of the paper lanterns. These lanterns are taking the world by storm and Lanterns 4 Africa in Gauteng offer gorgeous ones made of bio-degradable mulberry paper.

Standing 80cm tall, they take less than a minute to fill up with air before they can be released into the night sky. Reaching heights of up to 500m and taking between two and five minutes before they burn out and gently return to the earth, they’ll enchant guests at any event. Visit www.skylanterns.co.za or call 012 207 1884