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One person’s trash is another’s treasure….

Trash disposal has always been a challenge. In fact, records as early as 500 B.C. (2500 years ago) show Athenians transported their trash outside the city to be disposed of. Locally, throughout the centuries, it was common for people living along the coast to dispose of their debris (that could not be repaired or reused), by burning it on the beach or tossing it into the ocean. Hence, the array of glass found on our beaches, recycled by nature.

Our country began producing its own glass during the 19th century and throughout the 20th century. Over 30 glass factories operated, including two in New Brunswick and three in Nova Scotia. Beach glass colors most commonly found are clear, green and brown as the Canadian production of glass containers consisted of these three major colors. These factories also produced colored dishware, which accounts for the rarer colors of beach glass.

During the past decades plastic has displaced glass. Over time the amounts that will roll up on shore will also diminish. Unlike glass, unfortunately, plastic cannot easily be recycled and is now causing environmental problems. In fact, scientists recently discovered a massive garbage patch located in the Pacific Ocean that is approximately twice the size of Texas!! Plastic now accounts for
80% of the world’s garbage.



The questions about ocean worn glass found along the coastline are endless. Our quest at Hudson Oddities is to answer as many of these as possible.