Nature and Environment Committee

Don't toss your plastic bread tags, clean Styrofoam (see image for acceptable types of Styrofoam), or athletic shoes!

Recycle them with the help of DGC volunteers.

Bring these items to our next in-person meeting to keep them out of the landfill.

They can not be recycled at the curbside.

Find joy in being part of the solution.

Thank you to our DGC volunteers!

Table with a sign for the bread tag recycling program, encouraging recycling bread tags for wheelchairs. Surrounding items include a box of tissues, a container of Scott paper towels, and various packaged goods. Behind the table, there is a purple display board with photos, certificates, and information about the Darien Garden Club.
A cardboard box filled with various plastic food storage containers in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
Informational poster about acceptable foam types for packaging, featuring illustrations of food and beverage containers, egg cartons, meat trays, school lunch trays, and protective packaging with the number 6 symbol.
A cardboard recycling bin placed by a tree on a sidewalk, filled with used sneakers and plastic bags, with a sign promoting reuse, recycle, and raising money.

DGC Sprouts are taking the Next Trex Challenge

and working toward another Trex Bench!

We are encouraging folks to collect plastic bags and other plastic wrap. See below and this link for acceptable items. All plastic must be clean, dry and free of food residue. See YouTube for more info.

You can bring your bag of bags/plastic to our Sprouts or DGC meetings to be weighed and then if you would kindly place them in the bins at our local Jewel or see link for other acceptable locations.

Information about recycling soft plastic items for the DGC Sprouts NarwEX Recycling Challenge, including a list of recyclable plastic items such as grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, plastic envelopes, cereal bags, case overwrap, salt bags, pallet stretch wrap, wood pellet bags, and produce bags.
Close-up of a wooden chair with a yellow plaque that reads 'Darien Garden Club NexTrek Challenge 2024'.
Young girl with long dark hair wearing a light blue hat with flower designs, navy blue unicorn sweatshirt with a pastel-colored unicorn graphic and floral details, and red pants, sitting on a wooden bench outside with a wooden wall in the background.
Infographic titled 'Recycle Beyond the Bag' explaining how to recycle household bags and wrap into Trex's Earth-friendly decking. Sections for recycling from store, pantry, and front door with icons and list of recyclable items.
Flyer for NexTrex Recycling Challenge with instructions, benefits, and examples of recyclable plastics.

The following will help you decide what to put into our plastic recycling bins

A recycling guide indicating items not accepted in NextRex programs, including frozen food bags, candy bar wrappers, chip bags, net or mesh produce bags, and pet food bags, and suggesting alternatives like biodegradable bags, six-pack rings, PPE gear, pool covers, lamination films, silo bags, vinyl shower curtains, bedding, and shiny films. The guide provides tips for testing if an item's plastic is acceptable and includes logos for NW Works and NexTrex, a QR code, and a website for recycling information.