Why is it important to reduce waste?
The quantity of municipal waste produced has doubled over the last 40 years, increasing by 1% to 2% annually. In 2009, 513 kg of municipal waste were generated on average per person in the Member States of the EU (Eurostat). This waste is the result of non-sustainable modes of production and consumption and causes greenhouse gases and air pollution: it is estimated that the consumption of products (including their production, transport and distribution) represents roughly half of GHG emissions contributing to climate change (Ademe/US EPA).
Why a European Week?
In keeping with the waste management hierarchy to be applied by Member States and which sets prevention (including reuse) as the top priority, the European Week for Waste Reduction aims to:
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publicise the waste reduction strategies and policy of the EU and its Member States;
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promote sustainable waste reduction actions throughout Europe;
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underscore the work accomplished by the various stakeholders through concrete examples of waste reduction.
Who were the local participants?
The 2011 EWWR was a success for Malta thanks to the commitment of the following action developers:
Alhambra Ltd- Zara outlet
Archbishop Seminary School
Bishop’s Conservatory Girl’s Secondary School
De La Salle College Senior School
Eko Skola
Electro Waste Malta Ltd.
Environment Commission of the Archiodecese of Malta and Diocese of Gozo
Gozo Ceramics
Gozo College Xewkija Primary
Hilton Malta
Iklin Local Council
Kirkop Primary
Le Meridien St. Julians Hotel and Spa
Malta Environment and Planning Authority
Media Link Communications
Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs
Qrendi Primary
Safi Primary
San Anton School
SKAT Ltd.
St. Benedict College Girls’ Secondary Tarxien
St. Clare College Girls’ Secondary School
St. Francis Primary School Cospicua
St. Joseph Blata l-Bajda
St. Margaret College Boys’ Secondary School and Girls’ Secondary School
St. Monica Birkirkara
St. Nicholas College Bahrija Primary School
St. Thomas More College Fgura A
WasteServ
Xaghra Local Council
Zurrieq Primary
Click here to download the full programme of the actions which took place in our country and be encouraged to take example! With a little more effort, we can help to reduce waste when at school, while shopping, at the place of work and during other daily activities.