Reduce your energy use, and bills!

• Use the air conditioning less and, if you do, avoid putting it on 16 degrees like that it will never switch of as its impossible to reach that temperature. Setting your temperature level at 25 degrees allows your AC to cut off when the room reaches that temperature.
• Fans consume less energy than ACs and ventilating rooms can help with reducing temperatures especially at night.
• Installing films on doors and windows cut the UV entering your home by a significant amount, sometimes by up to 90%. This will keep your rooms cooler without having to even switch on the AC!
• Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them.
• Replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights.
• Install Solar water heaters and replace electricity powered water heating tanks.

Make your voice heard by those in power

Members of parliament, local councillors and mayors depend on public votes to be elected. It is vital to let them know that action on climate change is important. Malta’s future depends on their decisions about the environment, green spaces, cycling infrastructure, recycling and energy-efficient homes… and we can influence these decisions.

Ultimately, steps to fight climate change have a positive impact on other local issues, like improving air quality and public health.

Leave the car at home

Not only do cars contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but air pollution caused by exhaust fumes from traffic poses a serious threat to public health. It has been shown to affect the health of unborn babies and increase the risk of dementia.

In Malta the problem is further compounded with the fact that our roads are unable to handle the amount of cars driving around in our islands. Very often many areas in Malta are blocked with traffic and peak traffic hours extend throughout the duration of the day.

Respect and protect green spaces

Unfortunately Malta lacks green spaces, and the few green pockets left are under continuous threat from over development. Green spaces, such as gardens, are very important as they absorb carbon dioxide and are associated with lower levels of air pollution.

Trees and other green spaces help to regulate temperature by cooling overheated urban areas, can reduce flood risk by absorbing surface rainwater, and can provide important habitats for a wide variety of insects, animals, birds, and amphibians.

​​They also provide multiple benefits to public health, with studies linking green space to reduced levels of stress.

Cut consumption and waste

• Avoiding single use items and fast fashion.
• Avoid buying more than you need. Shopping around for second hand items and choosing quality items that last longer.
• Choosing products and brands that prioritise your new green aspirations.

Minimising waste

• Repairing broken consumables rather than just throwing them away, as well as reusing them giving them a second life rather than ending up in a landfill.
• Donating or selling unwanted items to charity rather than throwing them away.
• Avoiding food waste.
• Giving feedback to companies when you feel they are using too much packaging – some will take customer feedback seriously

Talk about the changes you make