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Even the Romans 'reduced, re-used, recycled' glass

A new scientific study seems to confirm that there is little new under the sun. It appears the modern recycling mantra of 'reduce, re-use, recycle' was already practised by the ancient Romans.

These are the findings of an analysis of ancient Roman glass tableware that was used in Britain during the last century of Roman rule by UK researchers Caroline Jackson of the archaeology department of the University of Sheffield and Harriet Foster of the Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service.

According to their study published in the upcoming December issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science, large quantities of glass were recycled in Britain during the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D.

However, the reason why this happened was not due to environmental concerns, but rather the a shortage of raw glass in the northern regions of the Roman Empire during the last centuries of Roman rule....


Read entire article at Digital Journal