In celebration of Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22nd, the spirit of sustainability has taken a bold and artistic form in Preston’s Avenham Park. Every Can Counts (ECC), the non-profit organisation that promotes recycling of aluminium beverage cans has unveiled a striking new installation at the Avenham Park in Preston to highlight the importance of recycling. Created from more than 700 recycled drink cans, the '#EveryCanCounts CANvas' is a collaborative effort between the non-profit recycling initiative Every Can Counts and Preston City Council.
The ‘CANvas’ was brought to life by local mural artist Shawn Sharpe, renowned for his vibrant work across the North West and his mural workshops for both children and adults in Preston. Shawn painted the Earth Day-themed artwork directly onto the installation during the popular Preston Egg Roll event, where thousands of residents gathered in Avenham Park on Easter Monday to roll chocolate eggs down the hill and enjoy a day filled with creative workshops, live music, and street theatre.
Chris Latham-Warde, programme manager for Every Can Counts, said, “It was great to make an appearance at the popular Preston Egg Roll with our ‘CANvas’ installation designed by the brilliant Shawn Sharpe. The event was not only a great way to celebrate Easter but also to mark Earth Day, which is all about encouraging worldwide action to help benefit the environment and preserve the planet. Aluminum, including drink cans and the foil wrapper from Easter eggs, is infinitely recyclable so it’s important to dispose of it properly this Eastertime and beyond! What’s more, every empty drink can could also 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.”
The ‘CANvas’ features a striking image of two hands cradling a smiling planet, symbolising how every small action to protect the environment makes a meaningful impact. Designed to highlight the infinite recyclability of aluminium, the installation encourages people to recycle their drink cans—whether at events like the Preston Egg Roll or in everyday life.
During the event, Every Can Counts ambassadors were on hand with recycling backpacks, collecting used drink cans and engaging with attendees to promote the environmental benefits of recycling. After Earth Day, the ‘CANvas’ will be moved to its new permanent home at Eco Town, an interactive educational space within Farington Waste Recovery Park.
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