Recycled Glassware & Eco Friendly Drinkware 

Recycled glasses are exactly what they sound like: sustainable drinkware for people who are looking to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle. These types of glasses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from wine glasses to tumblers, from carafes to bowls.

They’re typically made using old bottles and glasses—whether pressed or blown—and this is glassware recycled for safe home use, meaning these items come in tons of colors and styles and are dishwasher safe. While recycled glasses are an eco friendly addition to any kitchen, keep in mind they do usually come from glass bottles and jars.

As a friendly reminder, don’t try to recycle vases, mirrors, light bulbs, and other items that don’t come into contact with food or beverages, as those might contain chemicals that can leach into the food.

Lead free glass is a little different from recycled glass drinking glasses. While labels like green and sustainable mean the item is produced in an environmentally responsible manner, “lead free” means specifically that the item contains no lead, a toxic heavy metal that persists and accumulates in the human body, leading to numerous health issues, especially in children.

Although glass is known as one of the safest materials that can touch food, there’s a reason the lead-free designation exists: because lead in glass used to be a big problem. Small amounts over time can build up in the human body and cause health problems.

Now, fortunately, there are many types of lead free drinking glasses to choose from, but if you start noticing headaches, fatigue, tingling sensations, or other symptoms of lead exposure, contact your doctor right away.

It doesn’t matter whether you want lead free glass, sustainable wine glasses, or organic glassware; there are tons of great reasons for going nontoxic. The biggest one is that these materials touch your food, and that means they can potentially introduce harmful chemicals— such as “forever chemicals” like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFAOs)—into whatever you’re eating.

Who wants that? Nobody, which is why we’re making healthy alternatives more readily available so you can shop with confidence at Healthier Homes.

First, if you’re avoiding drinking from crystal, antique, or decorative glassware, the glasses you’re using are most likely free of lead. Still, there are a few ways you can check to make sure.

One method is to tap the side of the glass with a fork to check whether it lets out a long ring instead of a gentle clink. You can also hold the glass up to the light, as leaded glass will be less likely to create a rainbow.

But the easiest tip is to test the weight. Leaded glass will usually be heavier than organic glassware. Other methods for testing for hazardous substances include verifying with the manufacturer that nothing toxic goes into their glass or glazes.

When you buy non toxic drinking glasses—whether it’s online or at the store—always work with a reputable company. In addition to lead, cadmium is another harmful heavy metal that may be found in some lesser quality glazing finishes.

Avoid consuming food or beverages from glassware that is labeled decorative, not for food use, or is made with toxic materials. Some pewter cups are made with quite a bit of lead, and copper mugs can leach. Stainless steel is best when it comes to non toxic metal cups and drinkware. For more info on what materials to look for in the kitchen, check out the Healthy Kitchens e-guide.