Dubai Abdul Mugeeth's drive to save the planet — one paper bag at a time, has galvanised the Abu Dhabi community.
Last week, the eight-year-old made 150 paper bags with his mother over three days. He was responding to his school's initiative to mark environment day and say ‘no' to plastic bags.
The medium-sized totes were made from Gulf News copies, a great example of reuse, reduce and recycle.
The newspaper recognised Abdul Mugeeth's commitment to improve the environment and the impact his idea could have in the community. Gulf News rewarded him with a visit to its newsroom, a certificate of appreciation and some gifts.
People responded to the story — what started as an idea grew into a community effort, as his school decided to follow suit.
His fellow pupils at St Joseph's School have now made more than 1,000 paper bags. Some have even called their creations ‘Mukku bags', Mukku being Abdul Mugeeth's nickname.
Sister Carmen, the school's principal, told Gulf News that she is "very proud" of the boy. Abdul Mugeeth spoke at the school assembly and showed other pupils how to make a paper bag. They then used their free time during school hours to make them, she said.
The newspaper report also caught the eye of a store manager in Abu Dhabi.
Clare Andow, of THE one, told the paper that the furniture shop wants to spread Abdul Mugeeth's message.
"For an eight-year-old to come up with an initiative ... is an incredible story, it is very, very inspiring."
The paper bags can be used for candles and accessories sold at the store, she said.
"We are moving to biodegradable bags at the moment," Andow said. "And we feel as a business this is something we can support him with."
When Abdul Mugeeth heard about the firm's interest, he pumped his fist in the air and did a little jig.
"This is so cool," he said.
The grocery stores in his Mina neighbourhood, where the initiative was launched, are also highly supportive of the boy's effort.
Ali Kutty, who works at Maroof grocery, said: "Customers ask who made the bags and I tell them about the boy."
Ali Hassan of Abu Salam Mina grocery said many customers are curious about the paper bags, some of which carry Abdul Mugeeth's handwritten message warning against the use of plastic.
Hassan tells shoppers about the store's move towards paper bags.
"This is just a small step in the bigger picture," he said. "It is a trend that will take time to catch on."
Soccer crazy
Young Abdul Mugeeth may be an environmentalist at heart, but like many other eight-year-old boys, he is passionate about football.
The youngster said he tries to play for an hour every day.
The Xbox and watching TV are also high on his list of fun things to do. The Grade 3 student said while he is a Power Rangers fan, nothing can beat Captain Jack Sparrow, the roguish pirate played by Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean.
"I love pirates," said Abdul Mugeeth.
And like his idol, he loves playing dress-up.
Abdul Mugeeth donned his paper jacket when he went to grocery stores to hand over his bags. "I wrote environmental messages on them," he said. "So people can read and learn."
Have your say
Is it realistic for the world to stop using plastic bags? Do you know any creative substitutes for plastic bags? Tell us.
