Program Profile: Cans for Habitat
The next time you recycle an Cans for Habitat affiliates, which raise money to build homes through Habitat for Humanity.
We discussed the program with Director Patrick B. Kelly.
Program Overview
CFH provides free bins, liners and promotional materials to Habitat for Humanity volunteer groups to encourage aluminum can recycling in their communities. The groups use money raised to help pay the costs of building homes for low-income families. Since 1997, CFH has recycled approximately 17.5 million pounds of aluminum cans with an estimated net value of $6.7 million.
CFH asks an affiliate to:
- Report at least once a quarter how many pounds recycled and dollars raised
- Publicize its efforts in the local media.
Background
CFH is a partnership between Habitat for Humanity International and The Aluminum Association based in Arlington, Virginia. It has been around since 1997.
Environmental Benefits
Aluminum is one of the most valuable materials to recycle because it can be recycled infinitely into new cans (in as little as 60 days) and unlike plastic you can’t create new aluminum from other resources. There is the same amount of aluminum on the Earth today as there was 50 years ago.
“We recognize the intrinsic economic value of each aluminum can,” says Kelly. “Each can recycled keeps that can out of a landfill.”
Eco-Evolution of Company
“In the past 18 months environmental awareness has prompted many companies, schools and churches as well as affiliates to seek involvement in Cans for Habitat,” says Kelly. “I tell them anyone can find and contact a local Habitat affiliate and see how they can partner to recycle cans.”
Importance of Consumers
The recycling of aluminum cans is important in promoting sustainability. Without participation from the public in CFH, there will be less funding to purchase supplies like hammers, nails and tape measures.
Most Exciting Part of Running Cans for Habitat
“I have a great affection for Habitat as an organization,” says Kelly. “I appreciate those who volunteer to build houses as well as those who spend time and effort recycling aluminum cans. We have some really great association member companies that continue to sponsor CFH because they see a social responsibility in doing so.”
Future Plans
Kelly didn’t divulge any specific future plans, but the program will continue to focus its efforts on top performing affiliates who really understand the program.
Favorite of the Three R’s
Kelly is a fan of all three when it comes to aluminum. “We definitely want to reduce waste and reuse aluminum cans, because each can recycled for Habitat benefits the environment. It also helps a person/family move into a new home.”
