For the second year, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) has received top honors in the Great American Can Roundup’s (GACR’s) Commander-in-Chief’s Challenge. As the top recycling service academy for the 2014-2015 GACR Challenge, all 896 cadets of the USCGA’s eight companies participated in the competition to recycle more than 3,100 aluminum used beverage cans (UBCs).
During an award ceremony, which took place in the Hall of Heroes at The Pentagon on April 21, 2015, the USCGA accepted a trophy and $3,000 as its award.
The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), a Washington-based national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry, which sponsors the event, says the GACR spreads awareness of the environmental benefits of recycling UBCs. The challenge ran from America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, 2014, through March 15, 2015, with more than 388,600 UBs recycled overall, according to the CMI.
“This event is a great opportunity to see that our future leaders embrace efforts like recycling to protect our natural resources,” says Maureen Sullivan, director of environment, safety and occupational health, Office of the Secretary of Defense.
CMI President Robert Budway says, “Our industry is honored that the outstanding men and women of our nation’s military academies recognize the importance of recycling by participating in the Great American Can Roundup Commander-in-Chief’s competition. Sustainability initiatives will play an increasingly important role in our nation’s security, and aluminum beverage can recycling is a great way for everyone to play their part in this important effort.”
“I’m very proud of our corps of cadets and this significant recognition of their efforts,” says USCGA Superintendent Rear Admiral Sandra Stosz. “Recycling and waste reduction has been an important initiative here for many years, and the commitment of our cadets to do the small things that can make a big difference in our sustainability efforts is truly commendable.”
The U.S. Military Academy recycled more than 64,900 pounds of UBCs, and the U.S. Air Force Academy recycled more than 11,000 pounds of UBCs during this years’ challenge.
CMI says the GACR is its overarching initiative to promote and engage community recycling involvement, sponsor recycling events and distribute educational materials on the importance of environmental stewardship. Other challenges engage schools, scouts and the industry in working to encourage communities in recycling initiatives.
For more information, visit www.cancentral.com/sustainability.