Getting down-sized and losing their jobs turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to Deby Cowdin and her husband Scott. Forced to come up with a new game plan for earning a living, they decided to build on Deby’s training as a glass artist and be part of the growing trend towards green business. The result is a company called From the Blue Bag, launched in spring of 2006, that manufactures food functional fully tempered servingware from glass bottles that would normally end up in the trash. The name refers to the plastic bags used for recycling.

The Cowdin’s set up bottle collection programs for businesses and public venues around Cleveland. These “raw” materials are fired in a kiln using a process that took the couple a year to perfect. What comes out are unique-looking trivets, trays, and platters that are sold online and at more than 60 retail stores around the country. They were voted the #1 eco-friendly wedding gift under $100 by Great Green Goods and earned the number four spot on Fine Living magazine’s favorite gift list.

Demand, says Deby, has been so great that they’re working seven days a week. Though they hope to move soon, their North Olmstead home- including a 3-car garage, patio, and 10x20 tent- is still the office, factory and warehouse.

Deby has no doubts about the value of what they’re doing. “We’re keeping stuff out of landfills and our clients are saving on the cost of waster removal. My husband and I are working again and we’re building a successful family business that also employs our daughter and son-in-law.”

By re-purposing garbage, From the Blue Bag is making a difference in the world, and that makes these local entrepreneurs happy and proud.