11-14

2nd Place Wrigley – Photo 11-14yrs: Suicide Tree

submitted by St. Clare's College Girls' Secondary Pembroke : Janice Bugeja, Mariah Attard  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school magazine, website
filed under Photos

Under the shade of a tree, a lovely place for a picnic, to relax and enjoy some peace and tranquility. Not under this tree. The undergrowth is seen to be covered with all sorts of litter, the most prominent being plastic bottles which will continue to exist for several years before degrading. They also pose a threat to small wildlife creatures which get trapped in them. Close examination of the litter reveals syringes used for drug abuse making the ground even more dangerous to consider threading on. The photo was taken at St James Ditch Floriana, not far from the road leading to Auberge de Castille, from where hundreds of people pass every day. We appeal to the authorities to have the place cleaned up from this dangerous litter. In the meantime our hearts go out to those who have fallen victim to this abuse !



Read More

3rd Place Wrigley – Photo 11-14yrs: Batterona Campaign?

submitted by Gozo College Boys' Secondary Victoria : EkoSkola Committee  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Photos

Unfortunately car batteries like this are not so rare in our countryside. Apart from being unsightly, the acid in the battery that seeps in the soil damages our environment for many years to come. Not an activity that should be encouraged obviously. These car batteries should be properly disposed of. Perhaps together with the Batterina Campaign there should also be a Batterona Campaign??



Read More

1st Place Wrigley – Video 11-14yrs: A Constant Fight – Litter in Malta

submitted by St Edward's College Vittoriosa : Luigi Dimech  for 11-14
dissemination(s): other, School Assembly, school magazine, school media, website
filed under Video Clips

This video uses footage shot all over the Maltese islands. It discusses litter, found everywhere, how it ruins the islands’ beauty, how it can harm animals and what we can do to minimize this problem.



Read More

1st Place Wrigley – Video 11-14yrs: The Non-Sticky News

submitted by Independent Entry : Sephora Scicluna  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Video Clips

Discarded blobs of gum are a common sight of litter in streets, public gardens and parks. Local councils and business organisations have long thought of possible ways to find a solution to solve this sticky eyesore! A simple action by individuals fond of chewing gum can drastically reduce this form of litter. This video entitled ‘ The Non-Sticky News’ motivates chewing gum users to adopt this simple action and change the habit!  



Read More

3rd Place Wrigley – Video 11-14yrs: Let’s Make the World a Better Place to Live

submitted by St.Joseph Mater Boni Consilii Paola : Jasmine Bartolo  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Video Clips

This video consists of slides and photos that were taken in Marsascala Malta.



Read More

Used or Wasted?!

submitted by Our Lady Immaculate School Hamrun : Martina Agius, Michaela Agius  for 11-14
dissemination(s): EkoSkola Notice board, other
filed under Photos

This photograph was taken at Wied il-Qlejqa, mostly known as Chadwick Lakes. The water shown in this photograph is being absorbed by the rocks but what about the other water that is left? Probably, this precious water would get lost in the sea or cause flooding in the nearby streets. After a few days this water would result in a viscous green soup of algae, resulting in the collection of various insects in the area. Children could easily fall in this murky water. 1 in 8 people in the world do not have clean water. So why not make good use of this water once we have it? Without a doubt this rainwater can be collected in large reservoirs and used for agriculture.



Read More

Beauty and the Beast

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Maria Micallef  for 11-14
dissemination(s): newspaper, other, Participation in School Open Day, school media
filed under Photos

Just opposite our school’s main entrance gate, one finds a shabby filthy area. As clearly shown in these pictures, this place is being used as an illegal dumping site. Trash, discarded syringes, car bumpers and used motor oil are some of the unpleasant items one finds hidden among trees and grass. Moreover, irresponsible dog owners are taking out their dog for a walk in this area and are not clearing up the mess left by their dogs. Studies reveal that dog excrement can result in serious infections which may cause eye disease including blindness. This site should immediately be cleaned and embellished by the local authorities. CCTV surveillance cameras should be installed to deter littering and vandalism. On the other hand, people should be encouraged to make use of the bulky refuse service provided free of charge by most local councils. As students we hope that immediate action is taken.



Read More

Homeless

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Marvic Micallef  for 11-14
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Photographic Competition & School Open Day, school media, website
filed under Photos

This picture shows a helpless cat in an abandoned yard. Fortunately, my grandmother feeds stray cats everyday providing them with necessary food and water. One should remember that animal cruelty includes also the abandonment of poor innocent animals. These creatures suffer a lot without shelter all the year round, in cold winter days and in the scorching summer heat. Moreover, they risk being hit by motor vehicles. As a young student, I urge individuals who want to keep a pet to adopt animals from animal sanctuaries rather than purchasing them from pet shops. Moreover, neutering should be encouraged to reduce the problem of stray animals. Cats that live indoors may escape and produce several kittens if not neutered. Each year, hundreds of homeless cats and dogs are euthanized or end up in shelters.



Read More

Fresh water courses

submitted by The Archbishop's Seminary : Luca Micallef  for 11-14
dissemination(s): newspaper, school magazine, website
filed under Photos

Fresh water courses are becoming quite scarce locally and this is mainly due to the excessive increase in the built up environment. Such scenes as the one shown in the picture are amazingly beautiful. Fresh water communities are also habitats for numerous species such as the endangered and endemic Maltese Fresh Water Crab – Potamon P. fluviatile lanfrancoi and the Maltese Painted Frog – Discoglossus pictus. Fresh water communities are highly important since a rare number of species use it as their habitat. Protection of such areas however has to start from each and every one of us and informing is the major element.



Read More

The lofty oak from a small acorn grows !

submitted by The Archbishop's Seminary : Dylan Cachia  for 11-14
dissemination(s): newspaper, school magazine, school media, website
filed under Photos

The Holm Oak, locally known as Ballut and scientifically known as Quercux Ilex is a native evergreen tree species found in the Mediterranean region due to the climate of the area. Such trees are able to live in such a climate since the microscopically thin hairs growing on the leaves allow it to retain water. These hairs make the leaf look white underneath and this helps to reflect the sun’s scorching heat especially during the summer months. This tree can create both male and female flowers. The female flowers in turn create the acorn shown in the picture once they are pollinated. Once the acorns fall onto the soil below they are able to germinate and a new tree starts growing. The Holm Oak is also one of those species which can tolerate air pollution so its importance is undoubtedly priceless .



Read More