A REDDITCH sustainability not-for-profit group is getting ready to compete in this year’s Red Bull Soapbox Race in London this weekend.
Every Can Counts, which promotes aluminium recycling in the workplace, will race against 55 other teams tomorrow (Saturday June 22) in a bid to take home first place with its homemade soapbox cart.
Aptly named Chitty Chitty Can Can following a public poll on social media, the soapbox has been designed to look like a recycling collection lorry with a stylish twist.
Complete with an eye-catching paint job, chrome engine pipes and a fur interior, the four-wheeled vehicle will be driven by Chris Latham-Warde, with Tom Giddings riding alongside, on the downhill course outside Alexandra Palace.
The Red Bull Soapbox Race made its debut in the UK in 2011, and returns to Alexandra Palace for the fifth time.
To raise awareness of the recyclability of drink cans, Tom will also be wearing a colourful, homemade suit made of more than 350 cans.
Chris, who is programme manager for Every Can Counts, said: “Taking part in Red Bull’s Soapbox Race is something our team always look forward to and we couldn’t be more excited to compete in our new recycling truck-themed soapbox. While we hope gravity is on our side to help us take the crown at Alexandra Palace, we also want to use the race as a chance to raise awareness about the recyclability of aluminium.
“Aluminium can be recycled time and time again without loss of quality, and every empty drink can that is recycled can be back on sale as a brand-new can in just 60 days.”
Every Can Counts is funded by drink can manufacturers, drink can fillers and the wider recycling industry. It aims to reach a 100 per cent recycling rate for drink cans and provides free recycling support to businesses and organisations throughout the UK.
Visit everycancounts.co.uk for more on the team and the campaign.
