Ohio Woman Turns Creek Glass Into Art While Raising Awareness About Waterway Pollution
LICKING COUNTY, Ohio — While most people associate water pollution with plastic waste and litter, one Ohio woman is uncovering a different story hidden in the creeks of Licking County. Pam Bice, a local resident, has turned her passion for hunting river glass into both a creative outlet and a call to action about the legacy of pollution in waterways.
Armed with jars and a keen eye, Bice wades through local creeks, collecting shards of glass and pottery that have been weathered by time. “It’s treasure hunting,” she says with a smile. Each piece she finds tells a story—believed to be remnants of old Coke bottles, jars, and pottery from decades, even centuries, past.
“I’ll find complete bottles sometimes, but mostly it’s fragments,” Bice explains, holding up a piece of glass. “It’s fascinating to think about the history behind these objects. For example, this piece likely came from a Coke bottle made by the American Bottle Company.”
But Bice’s discoveries aren’t just historical curiosities. They point to a deeper issue: how these waterways were used as dumping grounds in the past. Kristy Hawthorne, Executive Director of Licking County Soil and Water, explains that much of the glass Bice finds dates back to the 1800s and early 1900s, when waste disposal practices were far less regulated.
“Back then, people would throw trash into ravines or riverbanks,” Hawthorne says. “The glass has been in the system for a long time, carried by the water and buried over the years.”
While the glass holds a certain charm, Hawthorne warns that it’s still a form of pollution. “Glass isn’t native to our waterways, and it can pose risks,” she says. “People often walk barefoot in creeks, and broken glass can cause injuries. Animals can also get trapped in bottles or hurt by sharp edges.”
Hawthorne also emphasizes the stark difference between historic pollution and today’s waste. “The glass breaks down over time, but modern plastics? They fragment into microplastics, releasing toxins into the water that harm ecosystems and wildlife.”
For Bice, however, her treasure hunts are more than just cleanup efforts. She takes the glass and pottery home, often transforming them into art. “I don’t just love glass—I love the stories behind it,” she says. Her creations serve as a testament to the history she uncovers and the beauty she finds in what others might overlook.
But Bice’s connection to the creek runs even deeper. After losing her brother to cancer, she found solace in the water. “Being outside was a way for me to feel connected to him,” she says quietly. “Honestly, that’s what got me through it.”
Today, her trips to the creek are about more than just the glass she collects. “It’s my joy,” she says. “I love the sound of the water, being in it, and the thrill of finding something. But mostly, it’s about finding peace.”
Bice’s story is a reminder that waterway pollution isn’t just a modern problem—it’s a legacy that spans generations. While she continues to turn trash into treasure, her efforts also highlight the importance of protecting these natural spaces for the future.
— Reported by Nexio News
