As the season of entertaining ramps up, the Darien Nature Center is asking community members and businesses to save their bottle corks during the holidays.
Why? Not only is it your gift to the environment, it will also help raise funds for the ongoing care of more than 40 resident animals at the Nature Center.
Photo from the Darien Nature Center
A Darien Nature Center supporter with bags of the stuff
Executive Director Leila Wetmore says the Nature Center has partnered with Yemm & Hart Green Materials who recycle cork and make a financial donation in exchange for large cork collections.
Cork can be used as a renewable and earth friendly replacement for plastics in home flooring, walls, furniture, tableware, and much more!
The Nature Center has set up a collection bin in the entrance of their lobby at 120 Brookside Road. Tim Smith of WinePort of Darien recently dropped off hundreds of corks for the cause (photo attached), but smaller contributions are equally appreciated. WinePort will receive donations of cork as well.
Photo from Darien Nature Center
Lotsa corks
“Keep a small bowl for your corks and as it fills, bring them over! Cork is such a perfect renewable resource; it is a shame for them to end up in a landfill. Every recycled cork makes a difference for our environment.” says Wetmore. “We set a goal of 100,000 corks which we hope will inspire people to recycle in new ways.”
Wetmore says all money raised will directly fund animal care including food, shelter, and veterinary expenses.
Real, non-plastic corks can be dropped off to the Darien Nature Center or WinePort of Darien during regular business hours. Please contact Administrative Affairs Manager Leah Salomoni at 203-655-7459 for more information.