As the world faces increasing environmental hazards, sustainable living is the way forward, and in order to promote environmental-friendly living, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has launched a new app, “Baadr”.
Known as ‘Initiate’ in Arabic, the app aims to help citizens and residents of the UAE adopt a sustainable lifestyle by educating and encouraging them and by rewarding them for choosing a more eco-friendly way of living.
With more than 30 environmental tasks to choose from and a focus on seven themes – Move, Reuse, Switch, Grow, Initiate, Conserve and Join – the application was launched in partnership with Sustainable Campus Initiative and Borouge.
The aim of the app is to foster long-term behavioral change and encourage mindful living through fun and interactive features. By reducing carbon emissions, reducing food waste, reducing the consumption of single-use items, conserving energy, and encouraging people to reuse and recycle everyday products, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions.
.@EADTweets, in partnership with @Borouge, has launched BAADR app to incentivise #AbuDhabi citizens and residents to complete sustainable activities that help protect and conserve the environment. pic.twitter.com/gB0ZFoiOdQ
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) January 24, 2022
The app can be used by registering, selecting a theme, and then completing the tasks set. When users take a picture of their task and upload it to the app, they can earn rewards such as ditching the car and cycling instead, or growing a favorite herb on the window sill.
This allows users to earn reward points that can be redeemed at nine different companies. Among other things, users can enjoy a free boardwalk through Mangrove Park, receive a 10% discount on kayaking, or plant mangrove trees.
With the help of the app, people can also attend workshops or events to improve their knowledge of the environment.
Designed to engage the youth and those with a camera, the app encourages active participation and aims to foster a like-minded community. This app also plays a significant role in raising awareness of the environment among the younger generation.