Save your plastic, make a difference in the community

Because of their efforts in collecting plastic for benches to install in the community, the DNR recognized the Cornell and Lake Holcombe Camaraderie Club, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, with a Recycling Excellence Award for Projects and Initiatives. Present for the Oct. 23 award, left to right, were Camaraderie Club member Kathy Swanson; Cornell mayor Mark Larson; Camaraderie Club and Our Savior’s member Gretchen Grape; Our Savior’s member Dan Campeau; and Our Savior’s Pastor Andy Schottelkorb. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

When your bread is gone, it’s time to dispose of the plastic wrapper surrounding it. Many simply throw it in the trash bin and forget about it.

But through efforts of two groups in Cornell, those plastic wrappers have helped get three benches installed along the riverfront trail at Mill Yard Park. In the last few years, members of the Cornell and Lake Holcombe Camaraderie Club, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church have collected thousands of pounds of plastic, which not only earns benches, but also keeps the items out of landfills.

By partnering with Trex, the organizations have a one-year contract, where they collect plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, Ziplock bags, produce bags and pallet wrap. The plastic is then sorted and weighed into 20-pound bags, which are dropped off at Festival Foods in Chippewa Falls, then delivered to Trex.

After the required amount of 1,000 pounds of plastic is met, the groups receive a free bench, which can be placed at parks, churches or any public place.

“We have three benches and need three more,” said coordinator Gretchen Grape.

Much of the plastic comes from KJ’s Fresh Market in Cornell and Lake Wissota, but other local businesses and families are encouraged to save their clean, dry plastic, to help the planet and to earn another bench.

Now, however, the church and Camaraderie Club are looking for someone to take over the plastic collecting, when the current contract runs out at the end of the year. In doing so, more benches can be earned, which helps everyone.

“It takes a community, to make a community,” said Cornell mayor Mark Larson.