"Energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions are number one national priorities, but the obligation we took and the first deadline... is the end of 2013, when we must reduce the quantity of biodegradable waste at landfills," Zmajlovic said, urging at least five towns to give citizens dumpsters for biodegradable waste by July 1.
He also presented a TV advert to be shown on all stations, saying all this was useful to make people realise that they must be responsible towards the environment.
He said citizens oftentimes wanted to participate in drives to reduce waste but were prevented from doing so by local governments. He urged towns and municipalities to become actively involved.
The minister said such projects would be financed by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund.
Earth Hour coordinator in Croatia Petra Boic-Petrac said Croatia joined the campaign four years ago and that last year street lights went out in 38 towns. She said 31 towns had confirmed they would join in this year's campaign, voicing hope that at least 40 would eventually do so.