Vineyard uncorks new recycling initiative
Corking good idea provides floors for schools
The Vineyard Hotel & Spa's Food & Beverage Duty Manager, David Wibberley recently implemented an initiative involving the recycling of corks to provide flooring for schools catering for underprivileged kids.
"The idea unfolded after I heard about a spate of unfortunate events, said Wibberley. "Many poorer communities are affected by accidental shack fires through paraffin lamps or candles being knocked over, setting blankets alight and often with tragic consequences. Cork has excellent fire retardant qualities as well as having elasticity, durability and hypo-allergenic qualities. I suddenly realised there may be a potential for this product beyond its use in wine making."
The project received huge support from visitors and guests to the hotel over recent months, as well as from the Vineyard Hotel & Spa's five wine partners (8 000 corks collected from Klein Constantia),
Buitenverwachting, Boschendal and Anthonij Rupert, and a combined effort by Villiera and Groot Constantia resulted in over 6 000 corks being collected for the project. As a result, the Vineyard Hotel & Spa has collected over 25 000 corks in just three months.
The first project that will benefit from the recycled corks is the Eerste Rivier Empowerment Centre, a safe house for children from abusive homes. The recycled corks will cover an area of 24sqm that serves as a playroom for the children.
Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Get your copy at a special offer price: HERE
Valere
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