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
Annieglass, a Watsonville-based woman and family-owned glassware business, received a Department of Energy grant as part of the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda. It provides significant funding through the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. High energy-using small manufacturers were chosen to convert to renewables in the first round of funding with emphasis on women and minority owned businesses.
Annieglass received a grant for converting its Watsonville glass production studio to solar. 249 - 6’ X 5’ panels installed on the roof generate 1000 watts of power daily, as much energy as the average home uses in a month, to operate the 30 electric ovens used to make Annieglass. The company has the capacity to produce as many as 60,000 pieces annually. Best known for durable glass dinnerware, home decor and sculpture, two pieces of Annieglass have been part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum since 2006.
ICA (Industrial Assessment Centers) were created to find and assist applicants in the application process. Due to the large usage of electricity to melt glass, Annieglass was assessed by the engineering department of San Jose State University in the summer of 2023. Their assessment was used in the application and notice was given at the end of October 2023 that Annieglass won a matching grant to convert to renewable energy. The Department of Energy grant was for $320,000. Annieglass was reimbursed for half that amount. The 16,000 square foot rooftop solar installation is generating an average of 112 kilowatts or 112,000 watts which is equal to what a neighborhood of 29 homes could generate. The solar panels will reduce electricity costs by 50%
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Sandbar Solar of Santa Cruz designed and installed the roof system for our facility located at 310 Harvest Drive in Watsonville, CA. with G West Roofing of San Jose. Solar Plus of Kauai gave technical assistance. West Coast Community Bank provided a line of credit.
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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.