Welcome to the Glass Age

145 which was included in the exhibition. This series is concerned with the effect human activity has on our climate and environment and the impact our processes and materials have on our landscape. The piece is recycled waste glass and is concerned with material reuse. The opaline effect is a form of crystallisation in the glass that creates an opaque quality in it (Figure 9.6). Sustainability drivers within the international Art Glass community are now high on the agenda; glass artists continue to pioneer the use of recycled and sustainably sourced materials or to develop low-impact alternatives. The small batch, limited edition and one-off production runs of glass are not over-consumed, they are conscious, deliberate and intentional acts. Production is closely connected to the glassmaker; they often make to order and take great care and time over their work. Glass Art inherently contributes to the slow movement . Glass Art does not cause major environmental pressures, it creates artefacts of legacy that will outlive their owners but most importantly, it can become activated as a vehicle for glassmakers to voice their concerns of the sustainability issues we face, in the form of craft-activism. Sustainable art glass production can be viewed as a vital antidote to the environmental issues we face. SDG UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education To achieve inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The equal education of all groups and minorities within society is a necessary right, to ensure access to free schooling by 2030 and to provide equal access to affordable vocational training and to eliminate gender and wealth disparities with the aim of achieving universal access to quality higher education. UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 Gender Equality To achieve Gender equality and empower all women and girls. The equal representation of women and girls within society is a necessary right; goal 5 aims to end discrimination and violence against women in all public and private spheres. It also makes a call for women to be able to fully participate in all levels of society and have equal opportunities to take on leadership roles across all political and economic spheres. Finding ways to create inclusive and equitable quality glass education and studios regardless of gender, race or an individual’s societal demographic is still an issue many countries face. Examples