Abu Dhabi shoppers planting and painting at the mall

In the large atrium of Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, parents, children, staff and tourists are just some of the shoppers that can be found. Only they aren’t shopping – they’re planting small trees.

Close by, other visitors stand armed with paint brushes a paint pots, coloring in a large globe.

The activities all part of the mall’s campaign, Make Our Planet Green, to encourage people to be more environmentally aware.

Shoppers can take a break from retail stress and take part in a range of events as part of the initiative. A giant globe on the atrium floor has gradually been colored in by curious passers-by by ahead of Earth Day next week on April 22.

If they’ve spent a healthy amount shopping( AED 250 or US$68), they get to plant a sapling for free in a specially erected greenhouse before taking their young tree home. Alternatively if they’ve resisted from spending their money shopping or just been dragged along for a family outing they can pay a small fee to take a sapling home to plant.

Original article by Catherine Ellis

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Abu Dhabi shoppers planting and painting at the mall