Yes, you heard it right. Think of iconic moments during wrestling or at a party; September 27th is National Crush A Can Day. It all sounds fun, but the serious side is that it raises awareness of recycling. Anything that can be done to make it more fun is always going to help.

Not only is it doing a great service to Mother Earth, but it also helps the younger generation understand the importance when it is done the right way.

The History of National Crush A Can Day

The day itself is dedicated to the benefits and importance of recycling, so reaching as many people as possible is important. The good news is that although aluminum cans are incredibly popular, they are 100% recyclable, and it is easy to do so.

Even though millions of tonnes of the material are tossed away every year, it can be recycled many times. This is why the incentive of crushing a can (which can be stress relief in itself!) is fun to acknowledge on September 27th.

It’s not easy to find the true origins of the day, but it was in 1795 that Napoleon offered 12,000 Francs to the person who could come up with a way to store food and keep it fresh while at sea. It was around this time that sterilization became commonplace, thus a method of storing food in cans was set in motion.

Still, there is plenty that can be said about recycling aluminum cans. The US isn’t the worst offender by far, and although it does recycle 65% of its aluminum, this can still be improved. Recycling reduces carbon emissions significantly, and of course, landfills are not going to fill up in the same way.

The fact that over 100,000 cans are recycled in the USA every minute shows how many are used every day, and also the importance of National Crush A Can Day. To add to this, there are over 180 billion cans produced around the world every year.

How To Observe National Crush A Can Day

Get the kids involved and crush some cans! This is the fun part. Take pictures and share them online, use the hashtag #NationalCrushACanDay. This can encourage others to do the same. Learn about recycling, why it is so important, and how to be better at it. This is the best way to educate future generations.

For some, starting a recycling program in the local area or at work can make a difference. Also, why not remind the local school when the day is approaching as they may wish to get involved themselves?

Yes, National Crush A Can Day has a focus on recycling aluminum, but in truth, it relates to all types of recycling. If there is more that we can do to protect the earth and its resources, then it is never a bad thing to try. National Crush A Can Day is a worldwide event, which makes it even more important to share the love online and show the world how easy it is to make a difference.