Sustainability
Endlessly inspired by nature, Annie Morhauser became dedicated to environmental responsibility long before “green” became a trend. She participated in the first Earth Day as a teenager in 1970, and eco-sourcing, recycling, reusing and zero-waste goals have been standards for this atelier-turned-production-studio since opening in 1983. Today, Annieglass can unequivocally state that their handcrafted glassware is sustainably produced using solar energy.
Annieglass Goes Solar
We now produce handcrafted solar powered glassware!!! Solid powered Annieglass comes from 252 panels on our roof. These panels generate 595,000 watts of power or 210,000 kilowatts (1000 watts is a kilowatt) which can power much as 29 homes. Our system saves 162 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere which is equivalent to a railway car of coal ( 161,000 pounds). This will reduce our energy bill between half to 3/4.
We will be able to sell some of our excess energy back to PGE to further save money.
This was made possible by the matching grant of $160,000 we received from the first round of grants from the Biden Harris Infrastructure Bill. The first round went to women & minority owned businesses.
Besides our solar installation, other thoughtful sustainability steps have been taken throughout the handcrafted, glassmaking process at Annieglass. The warehouse uses an abundant amount of skylights and low wattage energy-efficient lighting, and a special reflective roof keeps the space well insulated. The glass-cleaning machine circulates and reuses water and glass is cleaned with non-toxic vinegar. Creative kiln-firing times ensure energy efficiency during the trademark “slumping” of glass. Earth-friendly, biodegradable packing materials made of sorghum and potato starch deliver the final luxury product to customers.
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Elements Upcycling in Action
Whenever possible, scrap glass is remelted into the Elements collection of trivets and trays. The watery green color and ghostlike effect of the many melted pieces of glass fusing together has made this collection a favorite of all generations. Annie’s creative approach to reuse is so unique that it is awaiting a design patent. By reusing scrap glass, the studio is able to avoid using landfills
Annie and her team of artisans have re-invigorated the ancient art of glassmaking utilizing the latest in technology and materials. Waterjet cutting permits formerly impossible shapes to be cut out of thick blocks of glass. Old world painting skills and the fingerprints of the artisans personalize each mold.
Biodegradable Packing
Earth-friendly, biodegradable packing materials made of sorghum and potato starch deliver the final luxury product to customers. Traditional loose filling peanuts are made from Styrofoam. After disposal, they can end up in a landfill or floating around the ocean for many, many years - experts guess around 400 yrs. Currently our oceans carry about 578,000 tons of plastic, here are some facts about oceanic plastic pollutions.BTW, they safe enough to eat - just not very tasty.
Annieglass is produced by a talented team of artisans and master craftspeople along the National Marine Sanctuary of the Monterey Bay in Northern California. The spectacular natural beauty of the area serves as a daily reminder to keep it this way for generations to come through thoughtful stewardship of our production studio and its processes.