Low-carbon lives promote green agenda

The younger generation is at the forefront of activity to slow the pace of climate change. Yang Wanli reports.

Low-carbon lifestyles are an emerging trend among young Chinese, according to recent surveys.

They reveal that many college students are interested in environmental protection activities, and they also express a strong willingness to change their lifestyles to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

According to a survey released last month, 97 percent of college students support low-carbon lifestyles.

It said that not wasting food, limiting energy consumption and opting to use public transportation rather than cars are the top three choices among young Chinese.

The survey, conducted by Xiaomei, a campus media association with more than 60 member colleges nationwide, showed that about 95 percent of college students are willing to participate in environmental protection activities, while 81 percent said they would reduce unnecessary consumption to promote a low-carbon lifestyle.

About 70 percent of the students said that to reduce carbon levels they would extend the life spans of daily necessities, while more than half said they would choose products with smaller carbon footprints－such as those made from recyclable materials－and improve waste recycling rates.

"Reducing carbon dioxide emission levels will help conserve the Earth's environment, which in turn will better sustain all forms of life on it. Now, leading a green life has become a fashionable activity among young Chinese," said Li Zhuo, a junior student at Wuhan University in the capital of the central province of Hubei.

In addition to joining the school's "Clean Your Plate" campaign, Li said he has joined students' organizations that provide guidance on waste sorting in a number of residential communities at weekends.

He has also explored more ways of reducing his consumption of chemicals and plastic products. For example, he has recycled paper boxes to make mini-closets and trash cans, and he has also collected fruit peels and made them into enzyme-based dish-washing detergents.

"In China, the 'low-carbon' slogan can be seen everywhere－in subway stations, cinemas, canteens and other public places－so the concept is widely known in the country," Li said.

"I think young people enjoy several advantages when pioneering green campaigns as they are innovative and always happy to learn new things."