It’s World Clean-Up Week! Why is this important?

“Happy World Clean-up week to everyone! For us of course every week is clean-up week, but we like to do something special each year. This year we are collaborating with a few local councils to do targeted activities in areas that need it most,” Schembri told Lovin Malta.

Żibel has already conducted clean-ups with Marsaxlokk and Kalkara, and they’ve got Gżira coming up this Friday, Spinola Bay on Saturday and Ta’ Xbiex on Sunday, with all clean-ups, starting at 9am, open to both divers and the general public.

“Clean-ups will always be a reactive measure, it is their nature.”

“Nonetheless, they are vital if we are to turn the waste ship around. As part of our multi-year plans, we are on track to reach a zero point in the coming years, whereby we would have collectively removed the bulk of the waste that has built up over the decades,” he explained.

Żibel’s current clean-up tally is over 121 tonnes, and it grows every week! They’re also currently developing a coastal management plan through their latest Project Punent. 

What message do clean-ups send out?

“When somebody attends or conducts their own clean-up, you know you have just converted another person. The clean-ups get people’s minds to start questioning their status-quo, searching for answers and alternatives, as well as advocating for others,” he explained.

Żibel’s motto has and always will be ‘it starts with you’ – as they believe that it takes one person to spark a change. 

“Through our actions and our volunteer’s dedication, we hope to always inspire others to not only do clean-ups but to look at what society needs and take the initiative to build something greater than themselves,” he explained.

But are clean-ups the solution?

“They are part of the solution, you cannot build a house on a flimsy foundation. Clean-ups serve as the endpoint for the waste that doesn’t make it into the waste recovery system,” he said.

However, he noted how the holistic approach would be tackling the root of the issue, of which clean-ups should be the last measure taken.

“We strive for a day where clean-ups are not needed and we have no places to clean,” he said. 

Since Żibel’s birth, have you seen a change?

“Yes! We have seen changes in all sectors, from individuals to businesses and the government. We are definitely in a better place but this doesn’t mean we are done and everything is perfect,” he said.

“We have a long road ahead of us and we still encounter some crazy situations sent to us by followers. As we move forward, we need to keep in mind that the bill always comes due, be it to you or your kids. We cannot pass the buck on these responsibilities.”

Schembri explained how a big change from global brands is finally being seen, adding that this is ultimately the main producer of waste. 

“With the recent oil issues around the world, it also serves as a catalyst to move away from typical plastic and towards more sustainable versions. Regular plastic is a first-generation material that is being re-engineered to fit our sustainable future,” he said.

Is enough being done?

“We can always do more, without a doubt. Like I’ve said, there is a long road still ahead. The fact that our recycling rate is still pitiful speaks to this. We need to close legal loopholes and hold more large players accountable,” he explained.

Schembri stressed how this is not just a Malta problem, but a global one. All the ridiculous things that we see happening locally also happen around the world. 

“We also need to be mindful of the times we live in. Our generation has a lot on its shoulders – from restoring the environment to tackling poverty, hunger and disease.”

What’s the ideal scenario?

“In an ideal world, all materials would be from natural elements which are highly recyclable, durable and do not pose a threat to nature as they degrade into their natural components.”

“Black bags are a thing of the past, with the concept of landfills being something ‘our ancestors did’. Coupled with a systemic change in laws and people’s mentalities, creating un-recyclable waste becomes taboo enough that it’s on par with a crime.”

He explained how in this utopia, everything is considered – for example, tires are not made from rubber anymore and the fragments that fall off are not polluting.

“For context, just think about your shoes. When you buy shoes the soles are crisp and have deep grooves for grip. Over time, these fade into slick bottoms. Where has that material gone? It is slowly shredded off and makes its way into the environment, so if these materials are not from natural elements, we are still polluting. That is how much more we still need to change globally.”

Schembri concluded by thanking all of the people that have made Żibel possible, and promised to continue its work.

“Zibel is five years old and we’d like to thank every single one of the thousands of volunteers that have given their time and energy towards this cause.”

“You are the backbone of our NGO and we value you to no ends! Since day one we promised to do a large clean-up each month for the public and this promise is ongoing until there is nothing left to clean.”

As part of World Clean-Up Week, Lovin Malta has spoken to some of the most influential people in the field. Stay tuned for more. 

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