Dive Brief:
- Aluminum recycler Novelis Inc. has teamed up with Discovery Education to launch a new program called "Life of a Can - A Never Ending Story" for upper elementary students.
- The program focuses on aluminum recycling through lessons which can be integrated into curriculum on a range of topics. A downloadable toolkit allows students to create their own recycling programs in the classroom.
- Resources for home activities are also included to help initiate family discussions about recycling and energy usage.
Dive Insight:
Novelis reportedly recycles more than 60 billion aluminum cans per year, yet an estimated $1.5 billion worth of material is still being sent to landfills. The company reached a 49% recycled material input in the 2015 fiscal year, and has more than doubled its recycling capacity, but more can still be done.
A recent study by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition found that more than 90% of U.S. residents have access to some form of aluminum recycling program. Though The Aluminum Association's latest data shows that the percentage of aluminum cans collected in 2015 took a dip to 64%.
Finding ways to increase diversion for a common material that has a clear secondary market could be beneficial for recyclers and schools alike. Other programs — such as Keep America Beautiful's annual Recycle-Bowl — are also a good way to instill these habits in children from a young age, and perhaps even more importantly inspire their parents to do the same.
