690 kilos of trash collected from Mistra Bay

● The waste we throw into the sea ends up on our plate Miriam Dalli

A clean-up organised by MEP Miriam Dalli together with eNGO Żibel has resulted in 690 kilograms of waste being collected from Mistra Bay.

eNGO Żibel is an organisation committed to reducing waste and protecting the natural environment. For this reason, the eNGO has organised multiple clean-ups around Malta and Gozo over the past year, with the most recent held at Mistra Bay in collaboration with MEP Dalli.

People of all ages gathered at Mistra to clean the bay from waste. The activity was well received by all those who attended, along with residents of the neighbouring areas. The cleanup was split between three groups: a group to clean the beach and another two groups, composed of snorkelers and divers, to clean the sea.

Waste collected was separated into general waste (13kg), plastic (7kg), glass (31kg), metal (3kg) and bulky waste (506kg).

MEP Dalli explained how these numbers highlighted the need for people to dispose of their bulky waste properly instead of throwing it away around beaches and the countryside, especially given the free services available for its proper disposal. “We need to realise that when bulky waste is not properly disposed of, it is not only an eyesore, but also causes serious harm to the surrounding environment, including marine species. In the end, the waste we throw away in the sea ends up on our plate,” she said.

While increasing awareness, MEP Dalli emphasised the need for more enforcement against those disposing of waste illegally.

Andrew Schembri, one of the founders of Żibel, said that the issue of waste in Malta was not one to be taken lightly, and that it needed to be tackled at all levels. “This means that it’s time for everyone to become more waste conscious; from children to our politicians and government. The clock is ticking, it’s time for a waste revolution,” Schembri said.

MEP Dalli and the eNGO encouraged everyone to do their part this summer by dedicating some of their time to collecting waste and keeping Malta’s beaches clean.

At the same time, MEP Dalli and Żibel encouraged the public and businesses to choose products that generate the least possible waste and, where possible, to avoid plastic products. Reusable cups instead of plastic cups, discounts for clients who bring their own reusable containers or cups, paper or bamboo straws, and paper bags instead of plastic ones are just a few examples of how less waste can be generated to safeguard our natural environment.