We woke up bright and early this morning to clean up Chadwick Lakes, following a report by Victoria Frendo that one of Malta’s last untouched green areas is actually being used as a dump. Five of us gathered 13 garbage bags of litter, filling up the better part of a skip in less than two hours. This is what we found.

1. Lots of plastic bottles and cans

2. Way too many wetwipes

3. The most random of objects

Including the remains of an inflatable dinghy, soiled cammo shorts, shoes, viagra and condoms.

4. Not enough bins

Only two bins in an area so full of rubbish that we filled 13 garbage bags.

5. No signs reminding people not to litter

We really need something like this.

6. Dead animal remains

Including a dog we found wrapped up in a garbage bag.

7. Animal poo in plastic bags

You do realise the poo is better for the soil than a plastic bag right?

8. Actual garbage bags

At least they’ve collected it for you. If only they disposed of it properly too.

9. Buckets… Lots of buckets

BONUS: Not enough helpers

Thanks to the brave few who joined us! To everyone else, we’d love for you to join us next time. We’d be able to get a lot more done with some extra pairs of hands.

Sign up here to take part in future clean-ups around Malta and Gozo! It’s an incredibly rewarding experience and it’s a great way of becoming more conscious of about your own litter. It’s also a good workout!

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Chris Peregin

Christian is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur who founded Lovin Malta, a new media company dedicated to creating positive impact in society. He is passionate about justice, public finances and finding ways to build a better future.