Girl Guides Ontario and Iron Gate Cellarage Launch a New Environmental Initiative - Bag-a-Cork Recycling

Iron Gate Cellarage Inc. and Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council today announced an innovative environmental program initiative -- Bag-a-Cork. The Bag-a-Cork initiative, the first of such in North America, involves the collection of cork bottle stoppers in bins located in participating locations such as the larger hotels, restaurants, LCBO locations, retail outlets and high rise condominium lobbies.

Toronto (PRWEB) February 25, 2005 -- Iron Gate Cellarage Inc. and Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council today announced an innovative environmental program initiative -- Bag-a-Cork. The Bag-a-Cork initiative, the first of such in North America, involves the collection of cork bottle stoppers in bins located in participating locations such as the larger hotels, restaurants, LCBO locations, retail outlets and high rise condominium lobbies.

It is estimated that each year in Ontario over 100 million corks end up in the garbage. This is approximately 543 tonnes per year, which when set end to end is enough cork to reach from Toronto to Vancouver.

At Iron Gate we believe that it is important for every company to play a part in its community. This partnership with Girl Guides through the Bag-a-Cork Recycling initiative is our way of doing that," said Warren F. Porter, Founder and President of Iron Gate Cellarage Inc., a fine wine storage facility located in Toronto.

This is an excellent initiative that will divert valuable cork from landfills and will help teach Girl Guides the importance of recycling," Environment Minister Leona Dombrowsky said.

Girl Guides are excited to be part of the Bag-a-Cork Recycling initiative. This environmental program initiative will provide many learning opportunities for both our girl and adult members," said Maggie Van Dusen, Provincial Commissioner for Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council. We look forward to developing this program so we can quickly expand it to the rest of the province of Ontario."

Bag-a-Cork will initially operate in the Greater Toronto Area and is expected to run province-wide within a year. People are asked to deposit cork bottle stoppers in participating bin locations such as restaurants, larger hotels, retail outlets and designated LCBO locations. Bins will be in place as early as Saturday February 26th in locations through out the GTA. Up-to-date information on new bin locations will be listed on the official web site, www.bag-a-cork.org. Adult Members of Girl Guides will empty the bins and along with the girls will sort the corks to ensure that only 100% cork products are shipped to the recycling facility. The Guides plan to develop educational programs to teach the girls about the continuous life cycle of cork and importance of environmental programs such as these.

Jelinek Cork Group in Oakville, Ontario will purchase and recycle the corks into other cork products such as household items including coasters, placemats, flooring, furniture and sporting equipment.

The Founding partners of the program include Ontario Girl Guides, Iron Gate Cellarage Inc., The Vin de Garde Club, Jelinek Cork Group, and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS). More information can be viewed on the founding members and program supporters by visiting our website at www.bag-a-cork.org.

Contact: Mary Porto 416-920-6666, extension 250

###