Every Can Counts opens new exhibit at Life Science Centre

Image: Every Can Counts

A new immersive exhibit about recycling has opened at Life Science Centre, a dynamic science hub in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK.

The ‘Infinity Room’ installation, created by recycling not-for-profit Every Can Counts, marks a new experience for visitors to the Life Science Centre (Life).

Celebrating its 25th birthday this year, Life is an award-winning science centre in Newcastle city centre which inspires everyone to explore and enjoy science, discover amazing things about the world and have loads of fun doing it.

The installation aims to teach all ages about the importance of recycling drink cans, as well as illustrating the infinite recyclability of aluminium.

The focal point is a giant drink can and those who step inside will find themselves in a mirrored room that creates an illusion of being surrounded by an infinite number of suspended aluminium cans. At the same time, a narrator will take them on an educational journey through aluminium can recycling and its environmental benefits.

Made up of 1,500 recycled cans and 25 square metres of mirrors, the exhibit also makes for a visual spectacle and visitors can share their own photos and videos of the Infinity Room on social media with #EveryCanCounts.

New research from Every Can Counts into the recycling habits of those in Newcastle found on average, people enjoy four canned drinks per week.

Respondents said they recycled 80% of these cans on average, with just over half (53%) saying they always use recycling bins when out and about in public places. Only a quarter (25%) of those living in Newcastle would take packaging home to recycle it if they couldn’t find a recycle bin.

Newcastle residents cited more recycling bins (59%), clearer signage on recycling bins (36%), and more recyclable packaging (33%) as the top three things which would encourage them to recycle more when out of their home.

Furthermore, 90% think that there should be better recycling facilities in places like public parks and 84% think more should be done to educate young people about the importance of recycling.

Chris Latham-Warde, programme manager at Every Can Counts, added: “The aim of the exhibit is to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminium in a visual and interactive way. Every empty can could be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days and each of us can play a vital role in keeping the cycle going to benefit the environment.

“With the exhibit on display until October this year, we hope that visitors to Life Science Centre are left feeling inspired to make small changes to their recycling habits and will encourage their friends and family to do the same.”

Every Can Counts is a unique partnership formed between drink can manufacturers, drink can fillers and the wider recycling industry, all with the goal of reaching a 100% recycling rate for drink cans. The programme provides free recycling support to businesses and organisations around the UK. To find out more information about Every Can Counts, visit www.everycancounts.co.uk.

Open Monday to Friday from 10am – 3pm, visitors can explore The Infinity Room at Life Science Centre until the end of October. More information can be found at life.org.uk.

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