Glass to Glory: Crafting Sustainability and Livelihoods in Murang’a County, Kenya

Abstract

Cyrus, a 38-year-old resident of Murang’a County, Kenya, has embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with Glisten Glasshouse, driven by his passion for environmental sustainability and community development. Focused on addressing the health risks posed by discarded wine bottles in Moya, Cyrus initiated the venture in April, specializing in glass recycling. Mobilizing local villagers, he engaged them in collecting and decorating the bottles, transforming waste into income. Officially registered in May or June, Glisten Glasshouse shifted from a home-based operation to a strategically located shop along the highway to enhance visibility and accessibility. The pivotal moment in Cyrus's journey occurred with the innovation of a cost-effective glass bottle-cutting tool, leading to its successful patenting. Expanding beyond recycling, training programs were introduced, emphasizing glass cutting, decorating, and branding to empower local communities in contributing to environmental sustainability. Cyrus's motivation stems from the adverse impact of idle glass bottles on the environment and farmworkers' safety, propelling his goal to convert waste into a resource, fostering community income generation. Glisten Glasshouse adds value by not only eliminating glass waste but also creating marketable products such as drinking glasses, vases, and candle jars. The venture serves as a means of empowerment, particularly for women and those with disabilities, providing them with opportunities for livelihood through glass crafting. Despite protective measures for glass cutting, challenges include the slow uptake of training programs and financial risks associated with personal investment. The difficulty in reaching the target audience compounds the existing concerns. Cyrus envisions expanding operations by acquiring a glass grinding mill and evolving Glisten Glasshouse into a comprehensive community training center. Beyond glass cutting, his future plans include teaching various crafts to create a sustainable model replicable in other communities, fostering economic development and environmental responsibility.

Key Words: environmental sustainability, environmental responsibility, patenting, community empowerment