It’s so great to see people taking an interest in and caring for the environment. One such local is 23-year-old Bernard Mifsud, who has taken up the challenge to plant 10 trees, as part of the grow 10 trees project organised by Adrian Gatt.

We managed to get in touch with Rosalina, Bernard’s mother, who posted to Facebook about his efforts, and she told us about her son’s venture. Bernard has graduated as a mechanical engineer and is now studying to become a pilot of commercial aircrafts. “This was his first time researching, looking for and planting seeds so I am very pleased and happy that his resilience and patience resulted in such a success,” the proud mama says.

The Mellieha Local Council came up with a new sustainable initiative and Bernard accepted the challenge. “The new Mellieha Local Council members suggested that if every resident in Mellieha planted 10 trees, we will be starting to save our planet.”

“My son believes in doing the right thing and he believes that by accepting the Mellieha Local Council's challenge he can make a difference in our world. He has been following Greta Thunberg and her positive action towards climate change,” she says, remarking that the 16-year-old activist’s determination is probably what inspired Bernard. “He did some research and looked for Maltese, non-invasive trees and started his project.” So thus began Bernard’s mission, planting such trees in empty milk cartons, reusing a product which many families throw away on the daily.

Apart from these, Rosalina says he’s got more plants in the pipeline. “He has already many other seeds planted and others which he is awaiting to germinate in the fridge. He is planning to plant olive seeds, nectarine, peach seeds and some others.”

She also explains that, understandably, she’s incredibly proud of her son’s decision to take action. “I am very happy that my son feels responsible for his actions in this world and that he is trying to make a difference. We don't usually post our private things on social media, however I felt he could be an inspiration to others,” she says. “I'm happy that there was such a positive response and hope to generate a ripple effect with many others giving it a try.”

Way to go, kid!

Rosalina Mifsud via The 'GROW 10 TREES' Project / Facebook