Glass to Garden

We are Glass to Garden — a small, student-run business founded by four passionate teens from Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego. Our mission is simple yet impactful: Give Life to Waste.

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At Glass to Garden, we transform discarded glass bottles into beautiful, handcrafted bird feeders, turning what would be trash into treasures that support local wildlife and beautify outdoor spaces.

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We’re proud to upcycle bottles collected directly from local San Diego restaurants, creating a positive feedback loop that supports small businesses in our community while keeping waste out of landfills. This community-based collection process not only helps reduce environmental impact, but also strengthens local ties and promotes a culture of sustainability.

 

Why upcycling over recycling? While recycling breaks materials down to create something new — often using large amounts of energy and water — upcycling is a far greener option. In fact, upcycling glass uses up to 90% less energy than traditional recycling. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, avoids industrial processing, and retains the original material's integrity, making it a much more eco-friendly solution.

 

But our impact doesn’t stop with sustainability. By turning waste into functional art, we’re also supporting the environment through bird conservation. Our feeders help nourish local bird populations and encourage people to bring more nature into their lives.

 

As high school students, we believe that you’re never too young to make a difference. Through this venture, we hope to inspire others to rethink waste, support local ecosystems, and find beauty in the unexpected.

Join us in giving life to waste — one bottle at a time.