EWWR 2020 – GHAJNSIELEM

Reducing waste through environmental sustainability is probably one of the major challenge that our society is facing. In today’s lifestyle, demand for materials is increasing, along with the environmental damage associated with material extraction, processing transport and waste management. The challenge is to make a shift from the ‘use and throw’ mentality, to one where resources are re-used for as long as possible. The Ghajnsielem Local Council is well aware about the integral role and responsibility it has in reducing the amount of waste. In fact, we have embarked on a number of initiatives to target local households and residents with the final aim of achieving better waste management and recycling.

INVESTING IN A GREENER FUTURE – creating mulch from pruned trees

This year we decided not to throw away the trunks and leaves from pruned trees so we invested in mulching. We shredded the trimmed branches and leaves into mulch which creates a nutrient-rich mulch at no added cost. The mulch was then spreaded and left on the ground in various open spaces in Ghajnsielem to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil.

RECYCLING BINS FOR PUBLIC EVENTS

This summer we have introduced a large number of recycled bins for all outdoor events including large-scale events such as the village’s‘ Festa’. We are also lending these bins to all the local NGOs to use them during their activities.  These have been welcomed by the general public and in fact tonnes of recycled waste have already been collected separately.  The bins display educational fact (through colorful pictures) on what can you throw in them. The lids are locked and have only a small opening to ensure that they are not abused and end up being used for all sort of waste. The bins have been positively welcomed by the general public and we intend to increase further bins for next year.

RECYCLING AT CLEAN-UP THE WORLD EVENT

We have also organised a Clean-up event in four locations including two valleys of the locality. Over 3.4 tons (sadly!) have been collected.  Waste separation has also been implemented on site by the good number of volunteers who participated in this waste collection event.

RECYCLED MATERIAL DURING PUBLIC EVENTS

Another waste reduction initiative has been taken by the present council where all major events must include an element of decoration made from recycled material. We also promote the fact that such events are decorated in a such a way. The aim is to send the message across that sometimes, beautiful things can be created by using simple things that would be otherwise thrown away.  Here are some examples:

 

• HALLOWEEN EVENT DECORATION FROM RECYCLED BOTTLES During this year’s Halloween event, hundreds of plastic bottles donated by the residents were transformed into a light rope which is set to be used annually to decorate the “Haunted Garden” purposely being decorated for this event.

 

• LARGEST CROSS IN MALTA MADE FROM RECYCLED WOOD Another waste reduction initiative that we executed and which was also one of the highlights of the Easter season was the large wooden cross in Ta’ Passi fields (site of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem). This cross, the largest in Malta in terms of height, (50 feet) was covered entirely with recycled wood. It provided a spectacular view indeed and served as a main attraction for the Holy Week in Gozo.

 

• CHRISTMAS EVENTS The same concept of recycled wood will once again cover the new structures which will be built as new attractions at the nativity village of ‘Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem’. Two trees will also be changed into large ‘Christmas Trees’ and will be decorated using recycled material.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL SENT TO ALL HOUSEHOLDS

We believe that education is the key to reduce wastage and improve waste separation. Last month we sent an A5 landscape sticker to all Ghajnsielem households with the collection schedule and how to separate waste. The flyer was sent on recycled paper and we wanted to send it as a sticker so that it can be glued in a prominent position inside the property (especially rented properties where tenants frequently change and do not know the collection schedule).

 

 

 

THIS YEAR’S INITIATIVE – A GIGANTIC RECYCLED GLASS BOTTLE CHRISTMAS TREE

 

For this current year, in these particular pandemic times, the Ghajnsielem Local Council is planning to build a gigantic 50 feet high Christmas Tree with a 25ft diameter base.  This tree structure will be made of steel and totally covered with 75cl recycable wine glass bottles.  The tree is to be built with the support of local villagers and volunteers being gathered as a team.  It is going to be placed in the centre of the village square which is easily visible and also provide a drive through experience especially at night.

 

The aim behind this main attraction is that we make impressive attractions out of recycable material.  This project will compliment other projects of a great dimension implemented by Ghajnsielem Local Council by means of recycable material which attracted both local and foreign attention.  Among these we can mention the building of the village of Bethlehem and the Large Cross both built from recycable wooden pallets, the Christmas Tree made from soft drinks and beer cans, various mosaic projects around the locality made from mosaic and Halloween decorations made from plastic bottles.

The Council is going to issue a campaign to collect these glass bottles from households and restaurants in order to instill in the public the importance of recycling and reuse of our refuse and convey a message that we can save the environment from this huge amount of glass bottles while calling upon villagers to continue sorting waste to save our environment.

(supporting photos to be sent by wetransfer)