July is associated with plastic use reduction, and for this reason Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM), goes plastic free for the month of July. On this note, FoEM encourages people to reduce plastic use. Started in July 2011 by an Australian organisation, Plastic Free Foundation, the month of July has been determined as global Plastic Free Month. 

And why? Many of us are well aware that plastic is everywhere around us.The problems with that are multiple. First of all, plastic is made from petroleum, which means that by using plastic we are supporting further extraction of oil. Second, when used for food storage, plastics can leach chemicals such as hormone-disrupting phthalates into the food. Third, plastic becomes waste that must be managed, and the systems currently in place are quite imperfect- much still ends up in landfills or incinerators, recycling can also release chemicals into the environment, and plastic that is littered ends up as microplastics in our waterways and oceans, harming wildlife.

“The good news is that there are alternatives,” said Beth Fiteni, Zero Waste Campaign Coordinator, for FoEM. ”We can use reusable cups, plates and beverage containers, bring our own bags when shopping, and choose food with no or minimal plastic packaging, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. We can also choose bamboo toothbrushes, avoid plastic toys for kids, and choose natural fabrics like cotton over polyester, which is also made from plastic.”

Friends of the Earth Malta is also pursuing the Ditch the Waste, Save Comino initiative through which visitors to the island will be reminded via signage and educational messaging on tourist boats to do their part by disposing of waste properly so as to protect Comino’s unique character and natural beauty for all to enjoy. This initiative forms part of Friends of the Earth Malta’s broader work in Comino, which is centred around Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna, a historic site that now serves as a base for environmental education and conservation activities on the island.

Martin Galea De Giovanni, Director of Friends of the Earth Malta says that enforcement of laws is key. “There is the Single-Use Plastic Directive, which states that alternatives must be used wherever possible and sets a target for 90% separate collection of plastic bottles by 2029. The Packaging Waste Directive calls for the minimisation of plastic packaging and sets targets for a certain amount of recycled plastic content to be used in new products. The Plastic Bags Directive, which disallowed most plastic bags from being given out for free, has been generally successful—though there are still loopholes depending on the type of bag. We need to follow and enforce these regulations, and strengthen them where needed.”

Friends of the Earth Malta also submitted Comments on Guidelines for Catering Establishments on Different Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Food Containers. The guidelines offer a promising and practical approach to reducing plastic waste in Malta’s food sector, but only if paired with clear communication and effective enforcement. To ensure transparency and encourage compliance, we propose the development of a public-facing platform where violations can be logged and accessed by the public. Regulations should also extend to hospitals, and best practices such as return system technologies should be utilised at events and other venues. This consultation is still open for comments from the public until July 25.