In a bid to further increase their waste recovery, the three Gozitan Local Councils of Xewkija, Sannat and Xagħra have teamed up with Green Dot Malta, operators of the only approved waste recovery scheme known as GreenPak, to promote and encourage recycling and waste separation.

GreenPak believes that education is the key to increasing public participation in recycling. It also believes that the Maltese media has an essential role to play in this. Therefore, GreenPak is sponsoring the Environmental Journalism category in the Malta Journalism Awards organised by the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM).

The environmental journalism prize, which brings to 13, the number of categories for the Awards’ 20th edition, is presented to the Maltese journalist whose work is assessed as having most effectively communicated environmental issues to the public.

A project to encourage students to recycle their waste was launched at Birzebbuga Primary School. The project entitled “Nisseparaw l-iskart – Ngħinu l-Ambjent” (Recycling Rubbish – Helping the Environment) was organised with Birzebbuga Local Council and is aimed at making the students more aware of the benefits of recycling and of the difference they can make to their environment and their locality.

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Activities on the day were held at the Primary School which was decorated with charts designed by the students, essays written by the children and a number of objects made from recycled material. In the playing yard, educational games were organised.

An essay competition was held and the best essay was read to the audience. Present on the day were Opposition Spokesperson for Local Government, Dr Stefan Buontempo MP, Birżebbuġa Mayor Joseph Farrugia, and GreenPak CEO Ing. Mario Schembri.

Green Dot Malta, operators of the waste recovery scheme known as GreenPak, will be distributing some 150,000 free recycling bags to all households within those Local Councils that are working with GreenPak to promote “Recycling Tuesdays”.

On the 15th May 2009, GreenPak took part in Msida Primary School’s Sports Day. During a full day packed with educational games and activities, GreenPak’s Communications Manager Ms. Denise Vassallo explained the role of GreenPak and the significance of the Green Dot Trade Mark to the children and parents present. Ms. Vassallo was accompanied by GreenPak’s mascot, Green Gary, much to the delight of the children!