To celebrate Earth Day, our UK chapter wanted to bring recycling to life… right in the heart of Bristol City Centre.
On 22nd April, passers-by on Centre Promenade stopped in their tracks as a striking piece of live art took shape. Our #EveryCanCounts CANvas, created using more than 700 recycled drink cans, is designed to inspire conversations about recycling and our role in protecting the planet.
Turning Used Cans into Earth Day-Inspired Art
The CANvas was painted live by local Bristol mural artist Ollie Gillard, well known for his nature-themed street art across the city. Ollie’s bespoke Earth Day design featured exotic animals and a powerful Earth visual, a creative reminder of why caring for the environment matters.
Watching the artwork come together throughout the day gave locals a chance to see recycled materials transformed into something meaningful, sparking plenty of conversations along the way.
Why Drink Cans Matter
The installation aimed to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminium.
Aluminium can be recycled again and again without losing quality. In fact, a recycled drink can could be back on shop shelves in as little as 60 days. Recycling even just one can really does make a difference, especially when we all do it.
Recycling On-the-Go in Bristol
Our team of ambassadors were also out and about on the day, wearing recycling backpacks and collecting used drinks cans from people on-the-go. They spent the day engaging with the public to spread the message about the benefits of recycling their empty drink cans.
A Creative Way to Mark Earth Day
Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts UK, said:
“Earth Day is an important time for us to discuss how vital it is to care for the environment, including through the recycling of aluminium cans.
“This year, we took to the streets of Bristol, joining forces with local artist, Ollie Gillard, to produce a giant CANvas finished with Ollie’s bespoke Earth Day design. It was great to see the CANvas come to life and to watch locals engage with the artwork and our onsite team.
“Every empty drink can could be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days. So, every action, no matter how small, really does add up to help make a big difference – and all year round, not just on Earth Day”
Mural artist, Ollie Gillard, added:
“Working with Every Can Counts on this project has combined my love for street art and the environment. It’s been a pleasure to team up to spread their important message about the importance of recycling through the power of art. I hope the people of Bristol enjoyed the CANvas’ debut!”
