Msida pupils learn the '3Rs'

Creating a waste separation and recycling culture among people is no easy task. WasteServ Malta Ltd is starting them young, targeting schoolchildren through a project taking place in 26 schools.

The government's waste management agency also has an educational website, www.progettskart.com.

Its work with schools ensures that the subject of waste is included in the curriculum.

In a recent visit to the Msida primary school, education officials from WasteServ viewed creative projects done by students.

The different artistic works were made from various materials that would otherwise have ended up as waste. Keeping in mind the 3Rs - reduce, reuse and recyle - the students created objects such as handbags from old plastic bags and photo frames from recycled paper.

Msida primary is one of the schools taking part in an EU Comenius Project entitled Greenlinks, which focuses on the environment. The students therefore have the opportunity to share their creations with children from various European countries.

Apart from using the theme of waste for the creation of crafts, the school also encourages waste separation and minimisation through its policies. For example, children are asked to use a lunch box instead of plastic bags and wrappers. Waste separation is adhered to in all classes as well as in staff offices.