President's landmark letter inspires wide adoption of waste sorting

Low-carbon lifestyle

In Jiaxing Road subdistrict, where residents have largely adopted waste sorting habits, the role of volunteers has evolved to also include organizing a range of activities centered around low-carbon living.

Residents have been urged to jog regularly as a way to encourage "green travel", and to produce public works of art promoting a low-carbon lifestyle.

In January, the roof of a public service building in the subdistrict took on a new look. Supervised by an artist, 120 middle school students painted an image covering 200 square meters showing a woman riding a bicycle, and swallows carrying tree branches and flowers.

The volunteers have also organized flea markets for the exchange of old items to promote a low-carbon lifestyle.

Hou said both of his children have been to the flea markets, and exchanged unused small home appliances for potted plants, and clothing for handmade crafts. Such activities nurture environmental awareness in the community, he said.

"My children can not only sort waste accurately, but they also water plants with water from rice washing, and use old towels as cleaning rags. They understand the value of resources," said Hou.

He carries reusable bags when shopping, refuses disposable utensils when ordering food online, and buys his children toys made from recycled materials.

Tian said one of their aims this year is to award carbon credits to residents based on the volume of waste sorted, and provide discounts on electricity bills.

Another objective is to process kitchen waste within the residential compound, with the installation of a kitchen waste treatment facility that converts waste into organic fertilizer for plants in the apartment complex.

President Xi has paid much attention to green, circular and low-carbon development, and has made multiple instructions on the issue.

zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn