In just six months, countless Texas-area residents collected and returned used wine corks that generated a $10,000 donation to the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, a world-class laboratory based in Houston.
The collection is part of The Cork Project, a unique program that launched in 2009 with two simple goals: help save the earth by reducing the number of items in landfills and find a cure for cancer by raising money for research… one cork at a time.
The mission, with our long-standing partner in this project, Nomacorc, is to recycle and “upcycle,” or repurpose, the used wine corks through the appropriate channels in Texas. Nomacorc is a leading producer of alternative wine closures, manufacturing a portfolio of 100 percent recyclable products.
The addition of WidgetCo, a Houston-based recycler, ensures that the corks will be recycled properly and that every cork will find a future. As part of The Cork Project’s efforts, Widgetco sells the used wine corks to artists and crafters for their upcycling projects. Check out this creative example and find more at etsy.com.
The funds generated from the recycling and upcycling of natural and synthetic corks are donated back to the Stehlin Foundation, a research facility founded in 1969 by Dr. John S. Stehlin Jr., a progressive and passionate surgical oncologist with a mission to develop the most effective treatments for patients suffering from cancer in the shortest period of time.
Thanks to everyone who helped make The Cork Project a success — including the recyclers, upcyclers and our partners, Nomacorc and WidgetCo. Keep the corks coming — there are collection bins at Spec’s stores across Texas!
