The Great American Can Roundup’s Commander-in-Chief Challenge Results in More Than 2.2 Million Recycled Cans

From left to right:  Robert Budway, Cadet Eva Saudris, Cadet Ivonne Lassalle, Cadet Carlie Gilligan, Cadet Victor Broskey, Midshipman Peter Rockhold, Midshipman Adam Hammer, Midshipman Alex McIntosh, LTJG Maria Beltre, and Ms. Maureen Sullivan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 22, 2015 – For the second year, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) received top honors in the Great American Can Roundup’s (GACR) Commander-in-Chief’s Challenge. As the top recycling service academy for the 2014-2015 GACR Challenge, all 896 cadets of the USCGA’s eight companies participated in the competition to recycle more than 3,100 aluminum beverage cans.

Coinciding with Earth Day celebrations, an award ceremony took place in the Hall of Heroes at The Pentagon on April 21, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Maureen Sullivan, Director of Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health, Office of the Secretary of Defense, along with Can Manufacturers Institutes’ President Robert Budway, presented the trophy and $3,000 to the USCGA.

Sponsored by the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), the GACR spreads awareness of the environmental benefits of recycling aluminum cans. The second annual challenge successfully fostered an atmosphere for healthy competition and environmental stewardship among these young leaders. The challenge ran from November 15, 2014, (America Recycles Day) through March 15, 2015, with more than 388,600 cans recycled overall. “This event is a great opportunity to see that our future leaders embrace efforts like recycling to protect our natural resources,” said Ms. Sullivan.

“Our industry is honored that the outstanding men and women of our nation’s military academies recognize the importance of recycling by participating in the Great American Can Roundup Commander-in-Chief’s competition,” said CMI President Robert Budway. “Sustainability initiatives will play an increasingly important role in our nation’s security, and aluminum beverage can recycling is a great way for everyone to play their part in this important effort.”

“I’m very proud of our Corps of Cadets and this significant recognition of their efforts,” said USCGA Superintendent Rear Admiral Sandra Stosz. “Recycling and waste reduction has been an important initiative here for many years, and the commitment of our cadets to do the small things that can make a big difference in our sustainability efforts is truly commendable.”

As the top per capita aluminum can recycling winner of the inter-academy challenge, the Coast Guard Academy distinguishes itself with an engraved plate on the Commander-in-Chief’s Perpetual Trophy. Of the eight companies within the academy, the Foxtrot Company took top honors in the Intra-Academy competition and will receive a $500 check and commemorative tray. Accepting the award are Cadets Eva Sandri, Victor Broskey, Ivon Lassale and Carlie Gilligan.

The U.S. Military Academy recycled more than 64,900 pounds of aluminum beverage cans, and the U.S. Air Force Academy recycled more than 11,000 pounds of aluminum beverage cans during this years’ challenge. Also participating was the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) whose 4^th Company, 1^st Battalion will take home $500 in Intra-Academy competition prize money, as well as a commemorative tray. Representing the USNA at the award ceremony will be Midshipmen Adam Hammer, Alexandra McIntosh and Peter Rockhold, and LTJG Maria Beltre.

The GACR is CMI’s overarching initiative to promote and engage community recycling involvement, sponsor recycling events and distribute educational materials on the importance of environmental stewardship.  Other challenges engage schools, scouts and the industry in working to encourage communities in recycling initiatives.

For more information about the can’s sustainability attributes, visit cancentral.com/sustainability.

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Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) CMI is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The can industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 124 billion food, beverage and other metal cans; which employs more than 28,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa; and generates about $17.8 billion in direct economic activity. Our members are committed to providing safe, nutritious and refreshing canned food and beverages to consumers.