The green team

Both Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino and his Labour rural affairs counterpart Noel Farrugia practise what they preach and recycle their waste. However, Ariadne Massa finds out their one green sin remains their car.

George Pullicino

Did you throw sweet wrappers out on the streets as a boy?

Probably yes, since back then there wasn't much awareness as there is today. I am sure future generations will have a much better environment, thanks to the efforts we are introducing in education.

Do you recycle? And if so, who drags the waste to the bring-in sites?

Yes we do. Our child is quite an avid watchdog over her parents. We have been recycling for quite some time now and it's my wife's job to deposit the recycled waste in the bring-in sites.

When I see a bus spewing fumes...

I fume too! I even report these cases, via SMS, to the Malta Transport Authority (ADT). Such situations remind me of the challenges we still have to face, despite the significant achievements.

Do you let the water running while brushing your teeth?

No I don't. Coincidentally, this is one of the examples I like to use whenever I am addressing students. This is one small gesture, which ultimately benefits the environment, and our pockets, in a big way.

What measure have you taken to conserve energy at home?

I live in an apartment, so to date we've changed our light bulbs to energy-saving ones. I have to add, that we have already started to notice the difference in our electricity bill.

What do you think of the cranes dotting the skyline?

These cranes did not appear overnight. Having said that, our efforts to safeguard the countryside through the designation of development zones, have meant that redevelopment has increased considerably over the past years, to the extent that the number of redevelopments has surpassed the number of applications for development on virgin land. This means that development is taking place closer to our inhabited areas, hence the perception that cranes have become more frequent.

Birds - in the showcase or in the sky?

Definitely in the sky. However, I want to emphasise that one can never ignore the passion with which hundreds practise hunting in Malta. I tolerate this practice, given that it is carried out in a sustainable manner and on certain species, which are not at risk of extinction.

What's your one green sin?

It has to be my official car, which is not environment-friendly. I wanted to order a hybrid car, however, there were certain restrictions imposed by the Finance Ministry.

What are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?

The ministry I'm responsible for is at the forefront in encouraging green practice throughout the government, and in the process, reduce its carbon footprint. Various initiatives have been taken, namely the installation of energy-saving neon tubes (resulting in energy savings of up to 40 per cent); the installation of solar panels; the recycling of spent printer cartridges and used office paper; as well as the use of an electric car, which replaced one of those previously used by the ministry.

How do you plan to give alternative energy a push?

Besides leading by example, the government has, in successive budgets, introduced fiscal incentives aimed at promoting alternative energy initiatives. These include subsidies on environment-friendly products, such as electric cars. Moreover, in the last budget, the government allocated a substantial sum of €25 million (Lm10.7 million) for the promotion of alternative energy initiatives. It was also positive to note the commitment made by the Prime Minister for the forthcoming legislature to promote the use of alternative energy by announcing concrete measures, such as setting up an offshore wind farm.

Noel Farrugia

Did you throw sweet wrappers out on the streets as a boy?

I was brought up to respect the environment. In the days when I was a boy, sweets were a very rare treat in my family and it was usually relatives who visited, who brought them along. The wrappers were definitely disposed of responsibly by my parents in the appropriate manner.

Do you recycle? And if so, who drags the waste to the bring-in sites?

Recycling is something that comes naturally to me, given the hardship I was brought up in, in the 1960s. My daughters, more than my son, usually lug the recycled material to the bring-in sites.

When I see a bus spewing fumes...

I think whatever happened to the plans to revamp the entire bus fleet? And why should the SMSs to report those vehicles spewing fumes not be free of charge? In fact, they should be deducted from the fine or else given as a credit to the whistle-blower.

Do you let the water running while brushing your teeth?

I was the minister responsible for the completion of works concerning the rehabilitation of Malta's hydrological system. Therefore, I know only too well the importance of water preservation. It is shameful that anyone can just let the water run for nothing. Water gives life and is precious, nobody should waste it.

What measure have you taken to conserve energy at home?

I have installed a complete solar energy system at home. In Malta, the sun is a blessing, and we make full use of it for the benefit of all. Likewise, wind turbines and other bio-fuels should be readily available for domestic use at reasonable prices.

What do you think of the cranes dotting the skyline?

They're ugly monsters! However, they're not half as bad as the exploitation and rape of our countryside. Land is our most precious resource and we are desperately running out of it. I believe it makes sense to start developing high-rise projects in appropriate areas, to conserve our land.

Birds - in the showcase or in the sky?

What purpose were birds created for? The question answers itself. However, given the reality that hunting will never cease to exist anywhere in the world, I believe that sustainable measures and compulsory programmes should be established so as to give back to nature much more than what we take out. It happens in forestry, so why not with wildlife in general.

What's your one green sin?

My job does not allow me to use the public transport as much as I would like to.

What are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?

Where possible, I try to walk instead of using my car.

How do you plan to give alternative energy a push?

Introduce viable energy alternatives in the sector of agriculture and fisheries, as well as promote their use in the indus trial, commercial and domestic scenarios.