How many kilometres can you rack up before June 16?

The majority of us want to reduce our carbon footprint, right? We’re all slowly becoming more aware of the amount of plastic we use (and throw-away), and the damaging effect it’s having on the environment.

Dubai is beginning to offer more and more ways to eliminate and reduce the amount of single use plastic in our lives now, from bio-degradable straws to paper takeaway bags and reduced coffee with reusable cups. But is there more you can do?

Well, yes there is. Run for the Oceans is an initiative taking place around the world until Sunday June 16. Runners and non-runners everywhere are being encouraged to lace up and run for the oceans, and for every kilometre you run, adidas will donate $1 to the Parley Ocean School.

ALSO READ: Dubai Airports to eliminate single-use plastic by 2020

Parley Ocean School works closely with youth and families in coastal areas to educate and empower people to change their relationship with plastic. Adidas hopes that $1.5 million (Dhs5.5 million) can be raised for Parley to develop their youth activist programme, which aims to inspire long-term behaviour change.

The sportswear brand also uses recycled ocean plastic to create the shoes in their Parley range. This year they will make 11 million pairs of shoes using upcycled marine plastic waste, up from five million in 2018. adidas has pledged to use only recycled plastic for their shoes and clothing by 2024.

UAE residents wishing to get involved with the initiative can do so by downloading the Runtastic app from their relevant app store. Then it’s a case of getting out there and pounding the pavement…

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Images: Supplied