Food waste in Malta is an important issue that receives little public attention. Malta has one of the highest per-capita waste generation rates in the EU, but recycling rates are low. Most food waste ends up in landfills, which are quickly filling up and becoming an issue, considering the lack of space on the island. There are many possible reasons for waste reduction barriers, including lack of legislation enforcement and culture, but there are also many solutions available to combat the growing amounts of waste. 

 

According to the latest Eurostat data, the average EU citizen generates 132 kilograms each year, amounting to an annual total of 59.2 million tonnes across the bloc. Households are responsible for 54% of the total, while 46% is produced in supply chains. Out of all EU countries, Malta ranks fifth with 162 kilograms per capita, which is 30 kg per person above the European average.

 

As an NGO, Friends of the Earth Malta is a pioneer for change relating to waste management and initiating the implementation of long-term action plans to tackle waste issues. 

 

Some possible actions that can be taken to increase awareness and alter day-to-day waste output include:

• Changing our consumer habits – meaning thinking about what we buy before we buy it CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING – is it recyclable, is it made of plastic that will be landfilled? 
• Increasing food donations to charities that serve those in need so less goes to waste.
• Composting at home, or placing white bags of food scraps out for collection Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 
• Establishing relationships with policymakers on this topic or supporting organizations already doing so.

These daily actions have a long-term impact. By reducing the quantity of waste that has to be processed, we save the embodied energy in products we consume, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping sustain the environment for future generations.

 

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