Pupil gives adults a lesson on saving the environment

Ten-year-old Indian pupil Abdul Muqeet made saving the environment his life's mission when he was only eight. Inspired by a suggestion from his school principal to use paper bags, curious Abdul Muqeet asked his father "why paper was better than plastic". His father explained to him the negative impact non-biodegradable plastic bags have on nature. This led Abdul to think about eco-friendly ideas — what he could do personally and how he could get others to act. Nearly every day after school, Abdul Muqeet began making bags from old newspaper. In the past two years, he has made and distributed about 4,500 bags to supermarkets, stores and malls. "I make 10-15 bags a day, except on exam days," Abdul Muqeet told Gulf News. His schoolmates have nicknamed the bags ‘Abdul Muqeet Bags', and he is known as the ‘paper bag boy'. Abdul Muqeet was invited by the Abu Dhabi Municipality to demonstrate how to recycle old paper during the Earth Hour at the Corniche on March 31. Abdul Muqeet is now encouraging people to adopt the Earth Hour campaign by turning electrical appliances off for an hour. And, if 60 people agree to do so, he will collect 200 cans for recycling. Abdul Muqeet is never shy about stopping a stranger in a supermarket or store to deliver his message. He waits at the checkout counters and politely asks for a minute of their time to talk about the environment. "I tell them that recycling one tonne of paper saves 17 trees," he says. The messages and messenger resonate with people. "It's a very good idea to involve children, as the new generation is our hope for a better future," Amani, Egyptian shopper, said. Honours Abdul Muqeet has held demonstrations in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Khalidiya Mall, Jimi Mall in Al Ain, Dubai Festival City and Dubai Marina Mall. According to his mother, Abdul Muqeet has received several awards for his commitment to environmental conservation. General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water; and Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, have met him. Abdul Muqeet's parents accompany him to his demonstrations. He has done more than 50 demonstrations. "When we saw his enthusiasm, we wanted to nurture his interest," said Andaleeb Fatima, Abdul Muqeet's mother. "I want to tell mothers that every child can give back to the community. We are seeking permission to launch a club for the children." Furniture stores like ‘The One' advised their customers to use ‘Abdul Bags'. "Abdul is our hero boy. He has been delivering bags of different shapes and strengths for various purposes weekly for over four months," Clare Andow, The One Theatre Manager, said.