Can Film Festival encourages recycling

Students in the UK are being encouraged to recycle empty drink cans in return for the chance to see a free film.

Now in its third successful year, the Can Film Festival is set for even further growth in 2012. The event was developed in partnership with student campaigning group, People and Planet, and kicks off during Go Green Week, from February 6-10. The national week of action against climate change, which takes place annually, is packed full of activities helping students take steps towards a low carbon future.

The aptly named, Can Film Festival, not only diverts cans from landfill, but rewards staff and students for their positive behaviour by offering the chance to see a free film in return for bringing along a couple of empty drink cans to be recycled.

To encourage participation Every Can Counts is offering a range of free resources to help students plan, promote and run their events. These include everything from editable poster templates, web copy and collections boxes, to spot prizes to give away as part of competitions.

Despite launching during Go Green Week, the Can Film Festival is open throughout the academic year to any university or college keen to get involved and is part of Every Can Counts’ wider university and college programme, aimed at encouraging and enabling more recycling on campus and in student halls of residence across the country.

Around half the cans used in the UK each year still end up in landfill sites, wasting precious resources and energy, as well as contributing to rising CO2 levels. By running a Can Film Festival universities and colleges can communicate the value of these cans.