3 - 9 August 2000

Yellow Pages recovery programme extended to businesses

by a staff reporter

Ark Publishing, publishers of Malta's Yellow Pages, is extending its recovery programme to 15,000 business with the aim of collecting even more outdated copies.

The recovery programme began at this year's Trade Fair, when people were encouraged to bring in their old copies of the 1997 Yellow Pages. Those who did were then entitled to take part in a lottery.

A total of 21,000 copies have already been collected, however this is but one-tenth of the total amount of Yellow Pages distributed in nearly every household and business in Malta. Following the successful recovery programme at the Trade Fair, Ark Publishing are now approaching 15,000 business to collect even more copies.

"We are currently initiating a further call for the return of the 1997 Yellow Pages by contacting 15,000 businesses and urging them to collaborate with us in our efforts to further reduce disposable waste by encouraging staff to return any outdated 1997 Yellow Pages they may still possess to their place of work," Niki Soler, director of marketing and sales at Ark, said.

Ark will recover the directories from business premises free of charge. All outdated directories will be then delivered to the Waste Management Department to ensure the returns are put to a better use.

Mr Soler added: "This year's efforts and investment was the beginning of a well-organised programme - which Ark Publishing is committed to for the long term. We compare our programme to a journey of a thousand miles; first begun with a single step forward."

The Ark Yellow Pages recovery programme has the full support and backing of the Ministry of the Environment, Environment Protection Department and The Waste Management Department.

The Recovery Programme was heavily promoted by the media and offered those who participated a chance to win a one-week cruise for two aboard the Voyager of the Seas, the world's largest and most modern cruise liner. The offer also included the airfare, two nights accommodation in Miami, plus Lm1,000 spending money.

The winner was announced on 16 July and Stefanie Zerafa of Mosta, is the lucky winner "We are very pleased with the overall response to this unique environmental programme which has produced real results. These results demonstrate how businesses, such as Ark Publishing, government ministries, agencies, departments and the general public can work together on such vital issues; positively contributing to the common good nationally," Mr Soler said.

Ark Publishing Ltd compiles, publishes and delivers free of charge over 200,000 Yellow Pages to residences, businesses and hotels nationwide. The Yellow Pages is by far Malta's most comprehensive consumer directory offering a choice of more than 15,000 descriptive business listings.

For more information on how you may participate in the 1997 Yellow Pages Recovery Programme contact Ark on freephone 0800773737.