By Daisy Okiring: Nairobi, Kenya
In the distress of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, when the world was grappling with unprecedented challenges, Njambi Muchiri saw an opportunity amidst the chaos. As lockdowns confined people to their homes, the consumption of alcohol soared, leading to a significant increase in glass bottle waste. The problem of glass disposal became more pronounced, sparking the inception of the Shattered Glass Company—a beacon of innovation and sustainability.
Shattered Glass Company, founded by Njambi Muchiri, emerged as a solution to the skyrocketing issue of glass bottle waste. With a vision to recycle and upcycle discarded glass bottles, the company transforms them into stunning aesthetic pieces. These pieces find their place in homes, hotels, restaurants, and bars, blending creativity with eco-consciousness. Every crafted piece from Shattered Glass tells a unique story, encouraging a culture of responsible waste disposal.
A Green Economy Powered by Women
Women, with their profound understanding of home dynamics and waste management, are pivotal in the journey towards a green economy. Shattered Glass Company epitomizes this, with Njambi Muchiri at the helm, leveraging her insights to innovate sustainable solutions for home waste. The company’s spirit is not just about recycling but about empowering women to take active roles in sustainability efforts.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
The recycling sector, traditionally dominated by men due to its labor-intensive nature, posed significant challenges for Njambi and her team. Sourcing bottles from landfills was physically demanding, but the company innovated by establishing a network for easier bottle collection. Partnering with caretakers and watch guards across various apartment blocks, Shattered Glass Company incentivizes the separation of bottles from general waste. This not only streamlines the collection process but also creates employment opportunities within the community.
Building Knowledge and Skills
Shattered Glass Company thrives on the continuous learning and application of modern technology. The team has honed their techniques of cutting and polishing glass through online publications and tutorials. This commitment to learning ensures that they stay at the forefront of the industry, always ready to improve and innovate.
Future Aspirations and Challenges in the Green Sector
Despite its successes, Shattered Glass Company faces several challenges. There is a pressing need for greater public awareness regarding glass disposal. Storage space for collected waste remains a critical issue, and access to SME training on business operations and marketing is limited. Njambi envisions a future where there are more grants and loans available for women-led SMEs in sustainability. She also dreams of establishing partnerships with companies, malls, and shops to set up bottle banks across cities, simplifying the collection process.
A Call to Action for the Public
The public plays a crucial role in supporting the efforts of Shattered Glass Company. By participating in recycling and upcycling initiatives, individuals can significantly reduce the amount of glass waste in the environment. The company encourages people to reach out with their used glass bottles, promising to transform them into beautiful, functional glassware.
Conclusion
Shattered Glass Company, under the leadership of Njambi Muchiri, is more than a business—it’s a movement towards a greener, more sustainable future. By turning waste into art, the company not only addresses environmental concerns but also empowers women and fosters community involvement. Embrace the story behind every piece and join Shattered Glass Company on their journey to make the world a cleaner, more beautiful place.
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