Environmental journalism will be the 13th category for next year's 20th edition of the Malta Journalism Awards. Presented to a Maltese journalist whose work is assessed as having most effectively communicated environmental issues to the public, the award is sponsored by Green Dot Malta the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) said.

Green Dot operates GreenPak, the leading waste recovery scheme in Malta approved by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa). Since 2006, GreenPak has diverted thousands of tonnes of waste away from landfills and towards recycling. In its latest annual report, GreenPak revealed that, for several consecutive years, it has met and surpassed Malta's national recycling targets.

“In fact, private-led initiatives, similar to GreenPak's scheme, have led most EU countries to achieve high recycling performance, and at no cost to the taxpayer. While leading by example, Green Dot Malta also supports initiatives, like the sponsorship of this national environmental journalism award, as they encourage the Maltese community to adopt a more responsible lifestyle," said Green Dot Malta managing director Ing. Mario Schembri.