Local Schools and Organizations Unite to Promote Recycling and Sustainability

Global Recycling Day Marks Launch of Collaborative Sustainability Campaign in Pittsburgh

On Global Recycling Day, celebrated every year on March 18 to highlight the importance of recycling in ensuring a sustainable future, PPG announced an impactful partnership with Pittsburgh’s Environmental Charter School (ECS). This collaboration is part of the national 2 Million Cans Recycling Contest, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at inspiring recycling efforts in communities across the nation.

As a key participant in this contest, PPG, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is actively assisting ECS students in their mission to collect and recycle aluminum beverage cans. Remarkably, the determined second graders at ECS have already gathered nearly 42,000 cans, reflecting their dedication to environmental sustainability. This partnership not only underscores the objectives of Global Recycling Day but also exemplifies how organizations and educational institutions can work together to create a meaningful environmental impact.

PPG’s Packaging Coatings plays a prominent role in the 2 Million Cans Recycling Contest, a nationwide competition designed to encourage elementary students to recycle aluminum cans. By raising awareness of aluminum’s circular economy, offering financial rewards, and fostering sustainability education, the contest promotes a hands-on approach to environmental responsibility. The campaign, which runs until April 30, will culminate in a special May event to recognize and honor the top-performing schools.

According to "Recycling is Like Magic!", only 26% of aluminum cans are recycled in Pennsylvania, significantly lower than the national average of 43%. To address this gap, the contest was inspired by Jessica Alexanderson, president of Recycling is Like Magic! It has gained traction online and across social media platforms with the hashtag #2MillionCans, inviting widespread community involvement. The initiative was launched with an engaging pep rally at ECS, where more than 100 second graders were joined by PPG, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Can Manufacturers Institute, "Recycling is Like Magic!", and Mon-Valley Recycling Center. The event featured educational presentations on aluminum recycling, prize giveaways, and appearances by the Penguins' mascot, Iceburgh, alongside ECS’s mascot, Hero the Hawk, adding excitement and enthusiasm to the campaign.

Melissa MacDonald, PPG’s customer sustainability business partner for Packaging Coatings, commended the ECS students for their impressive efforts in achieving their recycling goals. She emphasized the importance of such partnerships in encouraging hands-on environmental action while showcasing aluminum’s infinite recyclability. Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, the Pittsburgh Penguins honored the ECS students and participating organizations during their "Penguins Pledge" sustainability game. The team pledged to donate all aluminum beverage cans and cups collected from the March 18 game to ECS to support its recycling efforts.

The Penguins Pledge program, launched in 2023 to strengthen sustainability initiatives, has been a vital part of these efforts. Steve Kelley, senior vice president of partnerships for the Penguins, expressed gratitude to PPG for introducing the 2 Million Cans initiative and shared his excitement about hosting ECS students at the Penguins Pledge game, further solidifying the community’s commitment to recycling. This collaboration represents a shining example of community-driven environmental action, underscoring the critical role of partnerships in advancing sustainability goals and fostering positive change.

Editor's Note:

The partnership between PPG and Pittsburgh’s Environmental Charter School (ECS) demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts in fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through initiatives like the 2 Million Cans Recycling Contest, both organizations highlight the importance of hands-on education and community engagement in addressing pressing global challenges. The involvement of students, community leaders, and initiatives such as the Penguins Pledge underscores how collective actions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.

Skoobuzz believes that this event serves as an inspiring example of how innovative partnerships can bring attention to critical issues like recycling and drive positive environmental change.