Glass Recycled Sand for Coastal Restoration
What if a discarded bottle could become the foundation for new life?
Join us for an evening of conversation, discovery, and connection as we explore how innovation, science, and cross-sector collaboration can transform waste into a resource for ecological restoration.
This gathering centers on a pioneering research study led by Glass For Life at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, in collaboration with the University of Miami.
Why This Matters
As coastal communities face growing environmental challenges, the need for regenerative, scalable solutions has never been more urgent.
This work brings together scientists, business leaders, and students to examine how recycled glass sand can support plant growth and strengthen coastal resilience.
At the heart of the study, native plants are being cultivated across four different substrates:
Beach sand
Recycled glass sand
Blended sand mixtures
Sand enriched with compost (in collaboration with Compost for Life)
We are deeply grateful to Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove for hosting this gathering and for their meaningful support of this research and collaboration. Their partnership reflects a forward-thinking commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how the hospitality sector can actively contribute to regenerative solutions and local environmental resilience.
What to Expect
6:30 – 7:00 PM | Welcome
7:00 – 7:10 PM | Opening Remarks
7:10 – 8:00 PM | Panel & Q&A
8:00 – 8:30 PM | Networking
Speakers
Paola Barranco — Co-founder, Glass For Life
Juliana Grilo — Program Manager, MUVE, Frost Science
Nathan Rubin — Student Coordinator, University of Miami
Amy Wald — Founder & President, Greenluxe
Lauren Reilly — Creative Director, Sustainable Spin
Moderator
Yulia Strokova — Founder & Publisher, Impact.Edition
At Impact.Edition, our mission is to amplify the voices of changemakers and center community-powered solutions that drive lasting, positive change. Through storytelling rooted in lived experience, we build bridges between awareness and action — inspiring more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
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