Deadline nears in search for a green Emirati family

ABU DHABI // The search for an Emirati family to participate in a global green living challenge ends today.

In the National Geographic 360º Energy Diet Challenge, six families will compete to trim their carbon footprint. Families will also be chosen from Brazil, Slovenia, Japan, Germany and the US.

The search for a UAE candidate is being led by Nat Geo Al Arabiya, which is part of the Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), publisher of The National.

"We have already received many applications, and we will announce the family at the end of this week," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, editor-in-chief of National Geographic Al Arabiya Magazine.

As the search deadline is today, any last-minute hopefuls can email their wish to be included to info home efficiency, transportation, store purchases, water use, waste reduction and general lifestyle.

Households will receive a set of action items in six different areas, each worth a certain number of points. The more changes a household can make, the more points it can earn.

Examples include giving up bottled water and recycling all glass, aluminium and paper.

Some of the tasks, such as using public transport instead of driving, and sticking to local, organic foods, are likely to be more difficult for the local family compared to their counterparts abroad. But the contestants can rely on the help of experts in various aspects of conserving energy. The experts will serve as coaches. The winners will be featured on NationalGeographic.com, and may be invited to appear on a live panel.

vtodorova@thenational.ae