Youngsters learn to be green with Mr Clean

ABU DHABI // Anyone can be a recycling hero, Abu Dhabi's Centre of Waste Management said yesterday, as it marked World Environment Day with the debut of its "environmental champion", Inspector Clean. The educational event at Marina Mall introduced children and shoppers to the centre's new mascot, a green recycling receptacle, in an effort to encourage youngsters to start thinking green early.

"I am saving the environment," said Abdul Mugeeth Mannan, eight, a special presenter at the campaign launch. He demonstrated new uses for reusable rubbish, such as how to make bags from old newspapers. "I'm recycling newspapers and I want to ban the plastic," he said. "We are very proud of him," his father, Abdul, said. Interactive games allowed children to fish in a tank for placards bearing environmental tips and act as the pieces in a life-sized board game about recycling.

Jeena Roxy, 27, from India, was among several mothers at a table gluing together newspapers into a handle and bag for her son, Kenneth. "I stopped because I'm very happy to educate our kids," she said. "This generation should know not to get this Earth loaded with plastic." mkwong@thenational.ae