Some things are so small that recycling them doesn't seem like a big deal. Like wine bottle corks. They are very small and biodegradable. Why not just throw them in the trash?
It takes the Cork Oak Tree about 25 years before the cork can be harvested from it. After that cork can be harvested from the tree every 9 years, but only cork from the very first harvest of a tree is suitable for wine corks.
Wine corks are not able to be used again as wine corks because of bacterial concerns, but they can be recycled into many other useful objects such as push pin cork boards, coasters and flooring. Cork flooring is becoming very popular. Over this past weekend, I saw at least three home shows on HGTV that used cork flooring in their designs and each show mentioned how environmentally friendly cork is.
While cork is environmentally friendly and renewable, it takes a long time to renew. It makes sense to recycle what cork products there already are.
So where can you recycle your wine corks? The US is a behind other countries and there aren't many programs, yet, but there are a few options.
You can send them (at your own cost) to a program called Korks 4 Kids, a not-for-profit program, organized through Recycle Cork USA, LLC. to raise funds from the recycling of cork for Children's Charities.
They can also be sent (again, at your own cost) to Yemm & Hart, a green materials company that will recycle them into products.
3 comments:
I think recycling of the corks is a very good thing . So many do not realize that it takes years for just one cork to decay in our landfills . They are of a natural material and they are water proof . The synthetic corks will always remain there .
I am seeking all the bottle corks and other types to recycle and use in a very large project . They will be used in a showroom and will be part of the table tops and display areas .
The showroom will cosist of many years of collecting bar glassware and other bar items . There are over 4000 pieces in just shotglasses , not including all the other types of glassware and other items being used in the bar , tavern , and other types of liquor businesses .
If anyone is interested in donating your corks , they are more than welcome . All corks will be recycled and used in the project . No cork will be discarded and will be used in some fashion or form in the project .
I am in West Texas and will except all unwanted bottle corks and others . If your willing to send them , I will take all that you have . E-mail me if interested or have any other questions . E-mail me at mrd_@prodigy.net and I'll return your e-mail ASAP .
The project will consist of thousands of corks , so I need all that I can gather , or have donated to the project .
For those of you who don't know, cork floors are beautiful, I have them in my home and they are super easy to maintain
For those of you who don't know, cork floors are beautiful, I have them in my home and they are super easy to maintain
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