Registration for European Week for Waste Reduction open

Registrations are now open to participate in this year’s edition of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR). All private, public and non-profit entities can participate and seven awards will be given to the best initiatives, with prizes of up to €1000 in grants and cash prizes.

The EWWR is an annual event held each November which brings together thousands of waste-themed events from across the continent.  Launched in Europe in 2009, the EWWR came to Malta in 2010 when WasteServ took on the role of local organiser. Locally the event has been increasing in popularity ever since, reaching a peak of 66 waste-themed events held across Malta and Gozo during the dedicated week last year. 

Schools in particular have always been very active in this initiative, with teachers and students alike getting on board to organise a special green event.  Waste-free picnics, clean-ups, student competitions and other events are just a few examples of the activities that have been organised in the past.

This year schools and other entities are being encouraged to come up with ideas on the prevention of food waste in particular, given the special theme for the 2014 edition: Stop Food Waste! 

Participants may choose to celebrate the EWWR by introducing new practices that tangibly reduce food waste on a daily basis, for example through composting initiatives, or by organising a ‘green week’ event with activities that raise awareness on how we can all contribute towards minimising the amount of food thrown away. Simple ideas include cooking with leftovers, portion control and smart shopping.

Participation in the EWWR is free of charge and entitles all participants to be included in the national promotional campaign linked to this event. As an added incentive, WasteServ will be awarding grants and cash prizes to the best initiatives organised locally and winners will also be nominated for the European Waste Reduction Awards, thus entering the chance to win the prestigious European title from among thousands of participants across Europe.

Interested parties must register online by the 31 October 2014.  For more information:  www.wasteservmalta.com/ewwr, www.ewwr.eu, Freephone 8007 2200, [email protected] or facebook.com/WasteServ.