From Bottles to Beaches: A Small-Town Recycling Solution
How one Florida community is rebuilding oyster reefs and shorelines, and keeping 30,000 pounds of glass out of the landfill
In rural coastal Franklin County, Florida, glass bottles are getting a second life as sand. Just in time for America Recycles Month, Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful and host of “Do Beautiful Things,” explores the community-driven recycling innovation behind that transformation.
In a community where traditional recycling options are limited and most waste must be hauled nearly 100 miles away, Lynn Wilder saw an opportunity to do things differently. The Executive Director of Keep Franklin County Beautiful draws on decades of experience in environmental health and shares how she launched her Keep America Beautiful affiliate. Through creative problem-solving and dedicated volunteers, her team has transformed glass bottles into sand used for shoreline restoration, oyster reef projects, and sustainable landscaping. What would otherwise be landfill waste has become a valuable resource for the region’s fragile ecosystem.
A mobile glass-crushing machine set up at the Apalachicola Yacht Club offers a practical example of how simple ideas can significantly reduce waste and inspire others. In the episode, Lynn discusses the local partnerships and volunteerism behind the effort, the ripple effects of sustainability in small towns, and how every community can find its own way to “do beautiful things.”
Curious how one small group diverted 30,000 pounds of glass from landfills and revitalized community spirit? Tune in to the full episode and discover actionable ideas and encouragement for making a difference wherever you live.
About Keep America Beautiful®:
Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
McCall Vrydaghs
Keep America Beautiful®