Recycling for a Greener Christmas

Għajnsielem Local Council proposes to participate in the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) Awards through an educational and community-driven initiative promoting recycling, waste reduction and the creative reuse of materials. The campaign will involve primary school children and Council employees, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into valuable contributions to Għajnsielem, widely recognised as the Christmas Destination.

In collaboration with primary school children, the Council will launch a public campaign to collect used glass bottles for recycling and incorporation into the locality’s gigantic Christmas tree. Children will be encouraged to participate actively in collecting and promoting recycling, allowing them to witness how their efforts contribute to a major national attraction. Seeing the recycled materials become part of this spectacular Christmas landmark will instil a sense of pride, achievement and satisfaction, encouraging them to embrace recycling as a lifelong habit.

The initiative will also promote the reuse of suitable discarded wooden materials to repair and maintain the huts forming part of the Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem live crib. This practical activity will demonstrate the importance of repairing, reusing and extending the lifespan of existing materials rather than unnecessarily replacing them.

Furthermore, the Council’s own workers will participate by creatively transforming recyclable and recovered materials into Christmas decorations to illuminate and embellish the locality. These decorations will contribute to Għajnsielem’s festive atmosphere while demonstrating how resourcefulness and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Through these combined efforts, the initiative will unite education, community participation and practical environmental action. By involving children, Council employees and the wider public, Għajnsielem Local Council aims to promote a circular-economy approach, reduce waste and inspire sustainable habits.

Ultimately, the campaign will demonstrate that recycling is not merely about disposing of waste correctly, but about giving materials a second life and creating something meaningful for the entire community to enjoy.