Cans To Cans

About Cans To Cans

 

Cans to Cans is a new multifaceted social and sustainability initiative at the University of Virginia. Cans to Cans has a three-pronged approach: sustainability, student body, and community engagement.

 

Aluminum waste is collected from fraternity houses, club sport houses, and other off-grounds residencies. Residents participate in the separation and collection process, as well as different student and community groups. This provides the opportunity to bring together diverse groups, such as green groups, fellowships, service organizations, and community groups. The diverted aluminum is then taken to a local recycling center where it is exchanged for cash, which is then donated to local community food banks or used to purchase canned food. The full cycle from aluminum beverage cans to canned food is literally "Cans to Cans".

 

Participants in the program develop deep relationships with community partners by volunteering at the participating food banks and community gardens. Cans to Cans has experienced tremendous growth and is looking to become a permanent part of the University of Virginia's sustainability operations. We are also expanding to other campuses, including James Madison University and Appalachian School of Law, and are helping our partner schools develop successful programs tailored to their own unique communities.