According to DB Export, the world is running out of sand. The viral video below claims that sand is disappearing from around the world since it is collected for use to be used for a multitude of purposes, including construction and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it’s said that 70-90% of the world’s beaches are eroding. In response, DB Export have made some “beer bottle sand machines” that they claim crushes used bottles, removes silica dust and plastic labels (somehow) and creates a “sand substitute,” which will go on to reduce glass in landfills, and the dependency on sand from beaches.
Interestingly, some Facebook users commenting on the video below have noticed some flaws in the master plan.
Beer Bottles Transformed Into Sand
This machine turns your beer bottles into sand
Posted by NowThis Future on Wednesday, 1 March 2017
One user, Bob, likes the idea of reducing glass waste but notes “don’t we already recycle glass? How will this get the same lazy people who don’t recycle to do it now? And what about the energy needed to run this machine, transport the sand, and distribute it?” Another user noted, with the use of some colourful language, that erosion is literally the process that creates some natural beaches.
There’s no doubt that DB Export‘s creation is innovative and potentially useful, but is it really just a flashy marketing ploy to sell more beer? Or are the staff at DB Export secretly Tusken Raiders? (Have some respect and don’t call them sand people). A lot of the problems they claim to be trying to fix are a result of some of the unsustainable practices that humans have been undertaking for a long time. We need to do more substantial good such as recycling and disposing of waste correctly and ceasing the practice of coastal constructions to address these issues in a more meaningful and impactful way.
On the plus side, Kevin Costner must be stoked:
Not so sure about Anakin, though…
What’s your opinion?
