Loreto College students unveil giant rainbow featuring 1,500 recycled aluminium cans for St Patrick's Festival

The St Patrick's Festival, held every year, will be held this upcoming weekend (16th and 17th March). At the Festival Quarter, a giant rainbow adorned with 1,500 recycled aluminium cans will be displayed. This vibrant structure is the brainchild of Every Can Counts, a not-for-profit organisation, in collaboration with Loreto College, nestled in St Stephen's Green.

Jackie Dempsey, Principal at Loreto College, said, "We couldn't be prouder of our transition year pupils and their support of Every Can Counts' installation at the St Patrick's Festival this year. After several months of collecting cans from all over Dublin, it's great to see their hard work come to fruition in the giant rainbow. The installation is not only eye-catching but also a great reminder of the importance of recycling and its positive impact on our local community."

Creation of the giant rainbow

Creating this awe-inspiring rainbow involved the dedicated efforts of 18 transition-year students from Loreto College, who diligently collected cans for the project. The Rathmines Bring Centre and Windmill Road Civic Amenity Centre also generously contributed to this colourful endeavour by donating their recycled cans.

Students from the college visited Every Can Counts' Dublin warehouse earlier this month to learn more about the process behind the installation and the remarkable recyclability of aluminium cans. There, they gained invaluable insights into how aluminium cans can be endlessly recycled, with empty cans transforming into brand-new ones on store shelves in 60 days.

To know more about how the recycling aluminium industry will perform in the coming years ahead, read AL Circle's industry-focus report - “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2024."

About the event

Throughout the Festival weekend, a team of six dedicated members from Every Can Counts will be present, equipped with recycling backpacks to collect cans. They will also engage with attendees through surveys, aiming to raise awareness about the critical importance of recycling.

The cans gathered by this team will carry a deposit value, which will then be generously donated to the Capuchin Day Centre, a noble choice made by Loreto College. This centre, situated in Dublin, focuses on extending a helping hand to those experiencing homelessness. Their services include providing shelter, warm meals, food parcels, medical assistance, counselling, and access to shower facilities.

The grand unveiling of the rainbow installation coincides with the recent launch of the new Deposit Return Scheme, initiated at the start of February. This scheme marks a significant step forward in encouraging and incentivising recycling efforts within the community.

What Every Can Counts said

Recent research conducted by Every Can Counts reveals that an overwhelming majority of individuals, nearly seven in 10 (69 per cent), express that the new Deposit Return Scheme significantly motivates them to enhance their recycling habits. The primary driving force behind this shift is a deep environmental concern, indicating a growing awareness of sustainable practices.

Furthermore, the study highlights that over three-quarters (78 per cent) of residents in the Republic of Ireland prioritise purchasing drink containers they perceive as recyclable. Among the favoured choices are aluminium cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles, which top the list of preferred recyclable options.

Chris Latham-Warde, the Programme Manager at Every Can Counts, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Loreto College and the St. Patrick's Festival. He remarked, "St. Patrick's Day stands as a remarkable celebration of Irish culture and heritage, and we are delighted to join forces with Loreto College and the St. Patrick's Festival to partake in this year's festivities."