Green suggestions and solutions

A recent visit to the Addolorata cemetery made me wonder why waste separation is not taking place there.

The rusty unattractive refuse bins may easily be replaced by suitable colour coded bins to encourage visitors to separate waste such as dried up flowers, plastic, glass and paper. Local councils could ensure that the same approach is taken at village cemeteries.

Another recent visit to the park-and-ride facility at Floriana made me wonder why there is no provision of shade to the hundreds of cars parked there for hours in the sun. I let my imagination run away with me for a moment and imagined photovoltaic panels providing the much needed shade. Besides generating electricity they would reduce the use of fuel as car owners would probably use their car air conditioners less.

Permits for showrooms and other buildings planned to have large surface areas covered by glass should be issued on condition that double glazed heat-proof glass is used. This will save loads of energy for the owners and the country.

All new school buildings are being made as eco friendly as possible. This is great. However I feel that useful adjustments may also be made to all older educational institutions including primary and secondary schools, the University and the Junior College. One could start by changing all bathroom faucets to types which make a more economical use of water.