Children discuss climate change, waste

Schoolchildren yesterday had the opportunity to air their views on plastic bags, speed cameras and public transport and present their proposals to the Prime Minister.

Casually dressed, Lawrence Gonzi listened to what schoolchildren attending a day-long eco-summit had to say. One of the students spoke about the ongoing debate about the recently introduced eco-tax on plastic bags.

"There shouldn't even be a debate on plastic bags - they have to go," Dr Gonzi said.

He also spoke about using waste to create clean energy. Even though people would complain, he said, introducing this system would reduce the impact of waste on the environment and create energy.

One group of children suggested introducing incentives for companies and people who use recycled paper. Although he agreed with the proposal, Dr Gonzi pointed out that recycled paper was more expensive.

Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino, who was also present, admitted that he had sent out many leaflets to households during his electoral campaign last year, but said he planted around 27 trees to compensate.

Mr Pullicino also expressed disappointment that few people had taken up the recently-introduced 15.25 per cent rebate on bicycles.