ALFA beer, the Municipality of Rethymno, and our team Kathe Kouti Metrai, teamed up for the first time in the historic Carnival of Rethymno to make a sustainable impact on one of Greece’s biggest Carnival celebrations
Recycling aluminium cans in an innovative initiative
Those who participated in the 2023 Carnival of Rethymno, one of Greece’s biggest and most historical events, had the chance to see up close our programme’s recycling ambassadors in action. Coordinated by Kathe Kouti Metrai, they paraded among the crowd wearing big green backpacks to remind carnival-goers to keep public spaces clean while helping them recycle their empties during the big parade.
The creative initiative aimed to raise awareness among visitors about the benefits of the circular economy, laying the foundation for more sustainable carnival celebrations in the future. And to achieve this goal, our team brought backpacks for recycling on the go, bins for the separate collection of drink cans and giant metal bins, shaping the word #RETHYMNO, for recycling on the spot.
365-drink can recycling
While the 2023 Carnival of Rethymno may have come to a close, the impact of the event lives on. The #RETHYMNO installation, which captured the attention of revellers and passersby alike, remains a fixture in the city’s Labyrinth area. The installation, consisting of giant letter bins, has sparked an ongoing partnership between the city’s municipality and our programme, with the support of ALFA beer. It will now serve as a permanent collection point for recyclable drink cans, making it an ideal location for visitors and locals alike to properly sort and recycle drink cans. Beyond its practical purpose, the #RETHYMNO installation also offers an eye-catching backdrop for those seeking a memorable photo opportunity.
A celebration focusing on both the community and the environment
People are the cornerstone of the Rethymno Carnival. Various groups participate in social and cultural events both within and outside the carnival season, proving that carnival celebrations can be more than just fun. This year’s recycling campaign proved to be an excellent example of the organizers’ commitment to the community and the environment. Part of the collected cans is being repurposed for next year’s carnival floats while the recycling proceeds from the campaign will be donated to the Association of Parents, Guardians, and Friends of People with Autism in Rethymno. This year’s carnival truly embodied the essence of community and demonstrated how celebrations can have a positive impact beyond mere entertainment.
This partnership highlights the growing interest and investment in sustainability, as well as the importance of promoting environmentally-conscious practices in large-scale events.
