The people of Craigavon have reached out a helping hand to families in Malawi, Africa - through the recycling of aluminium cans and foil.

The council-led initiative has meant everyone in the borough who recycles these materials, either through the green bin scheme or at the Recycling Centres, has been contributing towards the planting of orange trees in Africa.

The aim of the project is to help African families improve their nutrition as well as provide opportunities for trade and new jobs.

From July 2007 to June 2008, Craigavon householders recycled an amazing 110 tonnes of aluminium - double the amount recycled in the previous year. For every ton recycled, one tree was planted in Malawi.

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"This is a fantastic project that Recycling Organisation Alupro has carried out for two years now, with involvement from Councils all over Northern Ireland and the UK with phenomenal success," said Jennifer Wilson, Recycling Officer for Craigavon Borough Council.

"It is great to see the positive impact recycling in Craigavon can have on communities in Africa."

An Alupro representative recently visited Malawi and took photos of the first seedlings growing in special nurseries started by the charity 'Ripple Africa' - complete with a plaque acknowledging the contribution made by the people of Craigavon.

The council said the plaque will help people in the rural Malawian villages feel a connection to the community in Craigavon, who have provided the fruit trees.

"Many of the trees planted will be grown by individual families and in community orchards which will provide opportunities for trade," said Councillor Mairead O'Dowd, Chair of the Environmental Services Committee.

"It will also help to grow trees in an area suffering sever deforestation. Recycling aluminium uses only five per cent of the energy needed to make it from the raw material – and with recycled cans back on the shelf just six weeks later the energy savings make a substantial difference to the environment."

(PR/JM)