680kgs of waste have been collected from Mistra Bay during a clean-up organised by Member of European Parliament Miriam Dalli together with eNGO Żibel.
eNGO Żibel is an organisation committed to reduce waste and to protect the natural environment. For this reason, the eNGO has organised multiple clean-ups around Malta and Gozo over the past year, the most recent held at Mistra Bay in collaboration with MEP Dalli.
People of all ages gathered atMistra to clean the bay from waste. The activity was well received by all those who attended along with the residents of the neighbouring areas.The clean-up was split into 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 so that 133kg of general waste, 7kg of plastic, 31kg of glass, 3 kg of metal and 506kg of bulky waste were collected.
MEP Miriam Dalli explained how these numbers highlight the need forpeople to dispose of their bulky waste properly instead of throwing it away aroundbeaches and the countryside, especially when free services are available for the proper disposal of bulky waste. “We need to realise that when bulky waste is not properly disposed of, it isnot only an eyesorebut it alsocauses serious harm to the surrounding environment, including marine species. At the end, the waste we throw away in the sea ends up in our plate,” said Dr Dalli.
Whilst increasing awareness, Dr Dalli emphasised on the need to have more enforcement to ensure that action is taken against those who dispose of waste illegally.
Andrew Schembri, one of the founders of the eNGOZibel, said that the waste issue in Malta is not one to be taken lightly, and needs 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.
Dalli and the eNGOZibel encouraged everyone to do their part this Summer by dedicating some of their time to collect waste and keeping our beaches clean.
At the same time Dalli and eNGOZibel encouraged the public and businesses to choose products that generate the least possible waste, and where possible avoid products made of plastic. Reusable cups instead of plastic cups, discounts for clients who bring their own reusable containers or cups, paper or bamboo straws instead of plastic straws, and paper bags instead of plastic bags are just a few examples of how less waste can be generatedwhile safeguarding our natural environment.