Don't Be Trashy

In an attempt to raise awareness about littering, two Maltese women plan to run the circumference of Malta, Gozo and Comino next year.  The news report, that can be accessed here, stated that Trudy Kerr and Deborah Gatt were inspired by Neil Agius, who swam around Malta last year to raise awareness about marine waste.  Everyone is invited to participate in the run, and clean-ups are planned along their route.  Mr Agius started a campaign, that of picking up three pieces of rubbish and posting a picture using the hashtag #waveofchange, and this will be continued by Ms Kerr and Ms Gatt.

While applauding these women on their initiative, I’d like to follow in their footsteps and continue raising the issue of waste in Malta.  This is still a problem on the island, with one finding rubbish strewn around wherever they go.  A report by the European Commission also shows that Malta is also at risk of missing the 2020 municipal waste recycling targets.  This was discussed in an interview with Marc Muscat, the CEO of the Resource, Recovery and Recycling agency, which can be read here. 

There are EU targets for 2030 for 65% recycling, but the directive allows countries to delay by five years on condition that they see the country is making tangible efforts to reach it. In order to be granted this delay, the country would need to produce a plan up to 2030, showing that it would reach a certain level and that you would reach the goal by 2035.

This is a crucial matter, one which needs to be taken seriously.  Malta needs people such as the aforementioned women to encourage us to spark a #waveofchange.  There should also be acknowledgement to other people putting in an effort, such as University of Malta, who held a clean-up on campus, and San Andrea School, among other institutions and organisations, who are actively participating in making Malta a greener place.  

Good luck to the two ladies running next year, and thank you for your efforts!