Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1139344
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 JULY 2019 15 COMMERCIAL of endemic and indigenous species, and they also patrol the site to raise awareness on how people can enjoy the site without harming it. Following a call for vol- unteers, several employ- ees expressed their interest to contribute towards this green initiative. They started in the early morning, head- ing to Ramla l- Hamra, Gozo. The aim was to start with the coastal zone cleaning as early as possible in order to avoid the blazing sun. Initially, the amount of waste collected was small but once focus was directed to the outskirts of the beach, the volume started to increase. The collection of waste rang- ing from various plastics, metal and glass took place over the span of a few hours. At the end of the morning the group ended up with numer- ous bags of waste including a plastic tractor, geyser and foam mattress. The waste was meticulously separated in the appropriate recyclable gar- bage bags and collection was co-ordinated shortly after the event by The Gaia Founda- tion. Proper waste management practices were implemented throughout the whole event. In fact, volunteers were urged to bring their own drinks us- ing non-disposable bottles. This avoided a waste of ap- proximately 120 small plastic bottles. "Progress is impossible with- out change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything" (George Bernard Shaw). The more people participate in clean-up efforts, the more it helps to build awareness, soli- darity and collective action. During this event, appropri- ate health and safety measures were also taken into consid- eration. Organisers provided reusable plastic gloves to all volunteers including hand pickers. Beach pollution is one of the biggest controversial issues in the new era. It not only af- fects the habitat of the marine life where the animals' habi- tat is being ruined, but it also has an effect on humans who are exposed to the waste that ends up in the sea. Overcom- ing beach pollution is a tough obstacle, but with the power of all individuals, beach coast- lines should present a much better view. This is only one of the initia- tives that the Agency has under- taken during these last months. The scope behind these initiatives is not only to re- duce waste but also to create awareness of the major global environmental issues. World Environment Day Beach pollution is one of the biggest controversial issues in the new era. It not only affects the habitat of the marine life where the animals' habitat is being ruined, but it also has an effect on humans who are exposed to the waste that ends up in the sea The waste was meticulously separated in the appropriate recyclable garbage bags