On March 21, 2025, the world marked World Home Economics Day, a yearly event emphasising how Home Economics enhances individual, family, and societal well-being. This year’s theme, Tackling Consumption for a Better World, highlights the urgent need to address overconsumption, a growing issue that strains both the planet and human health.
Dr Amanda McCloat, President of the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE 2025), warns that current consumption patterns are unsustainable. Friends of the Earth Europe echoes this concern, stressing that as populations increase and economies expand, resource scarcity will become a global challenge. Europe remains one of the world’s highest-consuming regions—and Malta is no exception.
The Overconsumption Crisis in Malta
As Friends of the Earth, Malta (2023) state, Malta’s rapid development, population growth, and booming tourism industry have led to waste accumulation, pollution, and resource depletion. Decades of unchecked consumption and inadequate policies have left the country generating more waste than it can manage. The mindset of “growth at all costs” has worsened financial stress, environmental degradation, and public health concerns (FoE Malta, 2023).
Steps Towards Sustainable Change
Malta must shift toward responsible consumption through individual choices and policy reforms. Key actions include:
- Rethinking Growth – Prioritising sustainability over unchecked economic expansion.
- Reducing Waste – Moving from a throwaway culture to recycling, reusing, and reducing plastic waste.
- Changing Consumer Habits – Supporting local businesses, choosing durable products over fast fashion, reducing packaging waste, and embracing second-hand goods.
- Prioritising Education – Schools should promote sustainable habits through EcoSkola initiatives, second-hand sales, and Home Economics education, which equips students with lifelong eco-friendly skills.
Systemic Change is Key
While individual efforts matter, lasting change requires systemic reform. The government must invest in green infrastructure, regulate industries contributing to waste, and promote sustainability in three key areas:
Food
The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the most sustainable dietary patterns. It discourages overconsumption by emphasising plant-based foods, local and seasonal produce, sustainable fish and seafood, and simple traditional cooking. Avoiding highly processed foods and encouraging food preservation during abundance can reduce food waste.
Housing
Sustainable housing in Malta requires energy-efficient buildings with better insulation, solar panels, and water-saving solutions. Using eco-friendly materials, renovating older homes, and integrating passive cooling designs—such as cross-ventilation, shading, and white roofs can significantly reduce energy demand. Smart urban planning, green spaces, and mixed-use developments further enhance sustainability.
Transport
Malta’s reliance on private cars leads to congestion, pollution, and inefficiency. Expanding cycling lanes, improving pedestrian infrastructure, and making public transport more frequent and reliable can encourage sustainable mobility. Park-and-ride schemes, carpool incentives, and congestion charges in high-traffic areas can help reduce car use. Investing in electric buses, shared mobility, and better urban planning is essential for a more efficient transport system.
A Smarter Future
Tackling overconsumption isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about making smarter choices for a healthier planet and future generations. By embracing sustainability in food, housing, and transport, Malta can create a better quality of life while protecting its natural resources.
By Dr Karen Mugliett - Head of Department - Health, Physical Education and Consumer Studies, Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Education, University of Malta and a registered Professional Home Economist.
Email: karen.mugliett@um.edu.mt
