Beyond its centuries-long use as the perfect wine bottle stopper, cork has largely flown under the radar as a useful material for most consumers. But it’s actually been popular for more than a century as a near-perfect construction material. In addition to its sound-deadening and insulating qualities, cork is also 100% natural, recyclable, and sustainable.

These DIY cork markers are a simple way to upcycle, stay organized, and add personality to your garden.

Companies like M.A. Silva and other Natural Cork Council members are at the forefront of documenting and enhancing the sustainability credentials of cork products. Their commitment to transparent environmental accounting helps wineries and consumers make informed choices about closure options.

In an enlightening discussion with Architecture Australia, noted designer Ali Whelan of Breathe Architecture reveals why cork flooring has become her go-to material for sustainable projects.

Portugal's cork industry represents one of the world's most remarkable examples of environmental and economic harmony. This centuries-old practice demonstrates how human activity can actually enhance natural ecosystems rather than deplete them.

The designers chose dark expanded cork, an increasingly popular building material, to cover the exterior of the house because of its insulating properties, sustainability as a material, and aesthetic appeal.