What if a single idea could lead to real changes?
That's exactly what happened when one woman set up a social media page called Eco Footprint Ladybird. By sharing simple, sustainable habits, from cooking with seasonal produce to cutting packaging and tweaking daily routines, she reached more than 1,500 people in just one week.
Similarly, 7R Lifestyle began with one man doing clean-ups. Four years later, it has grown into more than 200 clean-ups and over 1,200 hours of voluntary work.
Businesses are also stepping up. Lidl Malta, through a single food donation campaign, managed to save 26 tonnes of food, the equivalent of 86,600 meals.
These are just a few examples out of the 100 actions carried out during last year's European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR). This is Europe's largest campaign dedicated to waste prevention and better use of resources. For one week, from November 22-30, people across Europe put their ideas into action to cut down on waste.
In Malta, the initiative is coordinated by WasteServ, which also organises the Malta Waste Reduction Awards to celebrate the most impactful actions. Finalists are shortlisted by independent experts, and local winners go on to represent Malta at the European awards. Winners from 7 different categories are recognised, with each category winner receiving €1,000. In the case of schools, where the energy and dedication of students continue to impress year after year, the prize money starts at €3,000. This is to recognise the top 3 performing actions and the key role young people play in shaping a greener future and more sustainable societies.
The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is open to everyone. Public administrations, businesses, schools, NGOs, and even citizens are all encouraged to register an action. In fact, in past editions, we've seen citizens celebrated for their creative contributions: from social media campaigns promoting food waste reduction, to mother-and-son projects crafting alternatives to gift wrapping, total home makeovers using upcycled materials, custom-built compost bins, and stunning mosaic art made from broken crockery.
This European platform offers a chance for people to showcase their commitment not just to recycling, but more importantly, to reducing and reusing waste. It also serves as a powerful reminder that overconsumption harms our planet -- and that, when managed properly, waste can become a valuable resource.
This year's focus will be on e-waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams in our tech-driven world. Think phones, chargers, appliances, toys with batteries, and more. Your action can specifically target e-waste, but it can also address any topic that promotes the 3Rs. The EWWR is a platform for you to show how commitment and creativity can turn waste into opportunity. However, your action must be planned with care, so it doesn't accidentally create more waste than it saves.
Whether you are an individual or part of an organisation, your participation in the EWWR matters. Every action counts. Together, we can build a culture that values resources, reduces waste, and protects our environment.
Registration is open. Visit wsm.com.mt/ewwr to learn more and register your action. Registration will run until November 9.
This November, it's your turn to lead by example.