Vin Diesel launches tree planting challenge

Actor Vin Diesel has launched his own challenge to encourage fans of Guardians Of The Galaxy to plant a tree in honor of his character Groot.

The action star was nominated by his Guardians director James Gunn to take on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in order to raise funds and awareness for the ALS Association.

However, instead of pouring freezing cold water over his head like many celebrities before him, Diesel decided to put a twist on the task and called on Gunn do something for the environment in homage to his talking tree alter ego Groot in the blockbuster film.

In a video posted on Instagram.com, Diesel says, "Yes I accept the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, but I raise you - plant a tree for Groot."

Diesel even planted his own tree after challenging the filmmaker and shared a photo on Facebook of him digging into the ground to make way for the new shrubbery.

Gunn gladly accepted the environmentally friendly challenge and not only planted a magnolia tree in his backyard, but promised that if 50 fans also take on the task and post photos of the result on social media with the hashtag #PlantaTreeForGroot, he will donate $5,000 to the Rain Forest Trust, which aims to protect rain forests around the world.