Waste-Reducing Glass Candles

'BottleUp' is a waste upcycling program in Zanzibar, Africa that creates a closed loop system for managing glass waste. An immense amount of glass garbage exists there because of growing tourism.

To combat this, a group of artists turns this glass waste into artisan products like beautiful glass candles, bottle lamp lighting and colorful coasters. These products are then sold back to the tourists that are typically causing the waste production.

In this way, a closed-loop system is created to deal with the garbage as well as employ local craftspeople and create a successful business that can raise money. The proceeds from the glass products are then reinvested into other strategies for managing the waste on the island.