Making a Difference
I am honored to be featured in the magazine “Stroll Edinburgh” in their Making a Difference column. Thank you Ms. Heather Kohberger for interviewing me and writing this humbling story on Infinity Glass Recycling!
The Mani Family's Journey Towards Environmental Impact in Edinburgh
In the heart of Edinburgh, the Mani family is making waves in the community with their passion for recycling and commitment to making a difference. For Gia Mani, a 15-year-old resident, the journey began when Gwinnett County discontinued its glass recycling program in 2018. Intrigued by this decision, Gia delved into the reasons behind it, uncovering challenges faced by workers and the rising costs of safe glass recycling.
Determined to tackle this environmental issue, Gia, along with her family—parents Mahesh and Kajal, and younger sister Maya—decided to take matters into their own hands. The Mani family embarked on a summer-long exploration of glass recycling and broader recycling practices. Their research revealed the infinite recyclability of glass, presenting both environmental and economic advantages. Shockingly, less than a third of waste glass in the United States is recycled, contributing to a staggering 8.5 million tons in landfills annually. Mahesh, surprised by the intricacies of recycling, highlighted the two main types: Single- Stream, which consolidates all products into one bin, and Multi-Stream, which requires separate bins for different products. But one of the most surprising findings was that more than 1,200 people in Georgia work in companies producing over $1.1 billion worth of products using recycled glass.
Motivated by the dire need for glass recycling solutions, Gia and her family founded the non-profit organization "Infinity Glass Recycling." The organization seeks to bridge the gap in the glass recycling loop by diverting consumer and commercial waste glass to processing facilities, where it can be transformed into raw materials for glass manufacturers.
The journey did not stop there. In October of 2023, the Mani family proudly launched the Infinity Glass Recycling website. Spearheaded by 13-year-old Maya, the website showcases the organization's mission, services, and plans for the future. Mahesh took on the responsibility of registering the organization with the IRS, while also setting up a bank account. Kajal and Gia have been instrumental in developing content for the website and social media.
The family's commitment goes beyond digital initiatives to raise awareness. Currently, Infinity Glass Recycling is building its customer base, starting with Suwanee locations and focusing on Edinburgh. The organization offers a cost-effective plan of $14.99 per month, which includes the bin and monthly pickup.
As the Mani family works tirelessly to promote glass recycling, Gia is considering a future in the “green economy”. Her dream is to attend the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech, and is open to exploring opportunities out of state. A year from now, Gia hopes to have educated more people about the importance of glass recycling, emphasizing its positive impact on the environment, the improved quality of finished products that use recycled glass, and the direct impact glass recycling has on job creation in Georgia.
Gia's journey has been both inspiring and educational. Her summer internship at Trees Atlanta sparked an interest in conservation, while her family's involvement in financial literacy discussions has broadened her understanding of taxes and 401K plans. Gia envisions a future where celebrities similar to Billie Eilish, prioritize environmentally friendly venues for their performances to increase awareness.
For the Mani family, there seems to be no limit to what they can achieve in the realm of environmental conservation. As Infinity Glass Recycling continues to grow, its impact on the community and the environment is sure to leave a lasting legacy. Through education, outreach, and dedication, the Mani family is truly making a difference in Edinburgh and beyond.
https://www.strollmag.com/locations/stroll-edinburgh-531e/articles/-b2bcc4/
