The Project
Building Islands from Bottles
A deep dive into how recycled glass is being transformed into new land to protect New Orleans and restore Louisiana's vanishing coast.
The Story
Why This Matters
Louisiana has lost an area roughly the size of Delaware to coastal erosion since the 1930s. Every 100 minutes, another football field of wetland disappears beneath the waves. These wetlands are not just habitat for wildlife -- they are the natural storm barriers that protect New Orleans and its residents from devastating hurricanes and flooding.
When wetlands erode, storm surges reach further inland, flood insurance rates climb, and the very culture of South Louisiana is threatened. The communities, the food traditions, the music -- everything that makes New Orleans unique is tied to this land.
KWNO Shares was created to connect our community of Keller Williams agents and their clients with a tangible way to fight back. By partnering with Glass Roots and Glass Half Full, we have built a cycle where everyday glass waste becomes the raw material for rebuilding our coast.
How It Works
The Glass-to-Sand Cycle
Glass Collection
Glass Half Full collects bottles and jars from homes, businesses, and events across the New Orleans metro area. You can drop off glass at our collection hub at 8601 Leake Ave or sign up for convenient residential pickup.
Sand Transformation
At their Chalmette facility, Glass Half Full crushes the collected glass into restoration-grade sand and gravel. This material is safe, clean, and ideal for coastal applications -- processing hundreds of thousands of pounds daily.
Island Building
Glass Roots uses this sand to fill burlap sacks that form the foundation of new islands. Native marsh grasses are planted into these structures, creating a living barrier that grows stronger over time as root systems develop and sediment accumulates.
Bayou Bienvenue
Our current focus is on Bayou Bienvenue in St. Bernard Parish, where sand islands constructed from a mixture of Mississippi River sand and recycled glass sand are demonstrating the viability of this approach for large-scale coastal restoration.
Take Action
How You Can Help
Every bottle recycled and every dollar donated brings us closer to a resilient coastline.
Donate
Your contributions fund the sand, the sacks, and the planting. Choose a KW agent to support and help them lead the way in protecting our city. Every dollar goes directly to restoration work.
Donate NowDrop Off Glass
Bring your clean glass bottles and jars to our collection hub at 8601 Leake Ave, New Orleans. It's a simple, free way to divert waste and contribute directly to the project.
Drop-off Location
8601 Leake Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
Residential Pickup
Can't make it to the office? Sign up for Glass Half Full's convenient home pickup service. They'll deliver a custom crate and pick up your glass each month to keep the recycling cycle going year-round.
Sign Up for PickupLearn More
Partner Resources
Every Bottle Counts
Whether you donate, recycle, or spread the word, you are helping protect the city we love. Join the movement today.