Put your plastic bottle away
Plastic has a negative impact on our environment. It is generally believed that plastic takes at least 500 years to decompose. Plastic bottles are used every day across all generations - especially in Malta’s hot to mild year round climate when it is more important than ever to stay hydrated. Buying countless amounts of bottled water packs generates so much waste. Not to finish in our landfill, each and every bottle needs to be separated, collected, cleaned and exported. But the news is not all bad. In fact the percentage of separated and recycled plastic in Malta has risen by almost ten percent in just four years, according to the National Waste Management plan (2014– 2020). Since January of this year, Wasteserv has already exported 933.32 metric tonnes of PET plastic.
While the figures are looking better, we all still need to redouble our efforts and continue to separate and reduce the waste we all produce if we are to ensure that Malta meets its 2020 targets. By introducing easy habits to our daily lives we can do our bit in reducing plastic bottle waste.
Whether at home or at work, reduce the number of water bottle purchases by considering getting a water dispenser complemented by investing in a good quality BPA free water bottle which can be refilled. Most people find that by simply carrying a water bottle with them at all times, they drink more water, which is always beneficial. Now that children have gone back to school, use those same simple steps and stock up on reusable bottles. Don’t forget to throw in one for your own use. You can also look into installing reverse osmosis systems in your home. Lobby for them to be installed at your workplace too and outline how cost efficient a water dispenser would be to your boss. Then say good bye to lugging six packs of water all the time! So do your bit and encourage others to reduce their use of plastic bottles. Finally, remember – if it is imperative that you buy a water bottle the least you can do is to recycle it properly in the appropriate bag. Visit www.dontwastewaste.gov.mt.