An art-installation made up of 2,000 recycled drink cans has been unveiled in Dún Laoghaire ahead of World Environment Day tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday, June 5.
The Pixelcan artwork is by not-for-profit recycling programme, ‘Every Can Counts’, as part of its International Recycling Tour in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) County Council.
In its third year, the International Recycling Tour is an awareness campaign which aims to champion the cause of sustainable living while encouraging people to keep outdoor public spaces clean and to recycle their empty drink cans wherever they are.
The Cathaoirleach of DLR County Council says the sculpture is a welcome addition to the town. Cllr Mary Hanafin says “This installation reminds us of the importance of recycling and moving towards a circular economy. The marine artwork on display this year reminds us that every action we take whether big or small to better manage our waste is a positive climate action. I would encourage all to come down to see this artwork on display.
Research commissioned by Every Can Counts found that Dublin residents drink an average of five cans a week, of which people say they recycle around two-thirds (66 per cent).
While 80 per cent of those surveyed claimed to have a good understanding of the benefits of recycling, four in ten (37 pc) admit that they put recyclable items in refuse bins if recycling facilities aren’t available.
Almost three-quarters (71pc) of people said that the biggest barrier they face whilst recycling is the lack of recycling bins in public places; this was followed by a desire for more recyclable packaging (25pc and for clearer signage on recycling bins (22pc).
This year’s International Recycling Tour will take place simultaneously across 16 countries including Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland.
Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts UK and Ireland says: “From the banks of the Danube in Vienna and Budapest to Dún Laoghaire Pier in Dublin, this year’s International Recycling Tour will see our signature PixelCan innovation pop up in iconic locations across the world. Not only will the pixelated mural captivate viewers from a distance, but it will also act as a symbol of the infinite possibilities of aluminium recycling, which is the message we’re trying to spread across Dublin and beyond this World Environment Day.”
Decarbonisation Engineer at Ardagh Metal Packaging, Rowan Egan explains howaluminium is infinitely recyclable, and every empty beverage can could be recycled and back on retail shelves as a brand-new can in as little as 60 days: “The team here at Ardagh Metal Packaging are delighted to see Every Can Counts team up with DLR County Council to encourage recycling in this unique way with consumers. Working together we can all reduce the carbon footprint of the next can to be made as recycling helps make a big difference.”
Feature photo Cllr Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach of DLR County Council pictured launching the Every Can Counts initiative to promote the greater use of recycling in Dun Laoghaire.
- Dementia Carers Evening at the Mansion House
- LGBT Ireland launch empowering anthems campaign ahead of national coming out day
- The cast of Disney’s The Lion King touch down in Dublin
- Bram Stoker festival returns with spooky fun for the family
- The Helix announces this years Christmas Panto!
