Challenges ahead
But in what demographic did that environmental message sink in?
In a country of 1.3 billion people, not everyone does what Zhou, Lin Hui and Li Ling do.
An online survey of 300 people, conducted by ditan360.com in April,showed that only 16.5 percent of Chinese know about the concept of carbon offset.
"Low carbon? What are you talking about?" asks Beijing cab driver Liu Yong. "I've heard about global warming. But is it really caused by carbon dioxide? I'm not sure."
To Liu, a low-carbon life seems like just a fad, irrelevant to himself because the idea is borrowed from Europe and America. Others argue the concept is more like a return to traditions.
"To live a simple and frugal life has always been considered a virtue in our culture. We should have kept it," says Lin Hui. "Nowadays tradition has been eroded by consumerism as we earn more money. People want to live in bigger houses and drive bigger cars."
Used to be known as "the Kingdom of bicycles", China now has become the most sought after market for global auto companies.
There used to be an estimated 10 million bicycles in Beijing, nearly one for each person, before the city's streets and Hutong lanes became congested with cars. Now, about 1,200 new vehicles take to the roads everyday.
"As a developing country we also have the duty to prevent global warming. That's a duty for all on this planet. If all Chinese live like Americans, we may need five earths," said Cui.
This reflects a serious environmental challenge for China. As the most populous nation on the planet with world's fastest growing economy, it has become the second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.
"I hope we eventually return back to the essence of the Chinese philosophy - harmony between nature and humans," said Lin Hui.
Cui said, while it is very important for individuals to be environmentally savvy, policy makers should play a major role in guiding the trend, from production to consumption.
"We need incentive policies to encourage technical innovation and the use of environmentally friendly products."
Electronic giant Panasonic estimated in 2006 that if energy-saving lights were used in all new offices buildings in Beijing, 78.51 million kwh of electricity can be saved a year. That equals 58,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Jiang Kejun, an energy expert at the National Development and Reform Commission, did similar research. It showed annual electricity consumption at a three-person household in Beijing can be decreased from 3,000 kwh to 1,500 kwh if adequate energy-saving appliances and measures are adopted.
However, only 38 percent of households and 48.7 percent of offices used energy-saving lights, according to a 2007 survey conducted by the China Youth Daily.
It concluded the biggest challenge in promoting the use of such products, is cost. An energy-saving bulb is priced at 20 yuan (US$2.9), while an ordinary incandescent bulb costs just 2 yuan.
Experts suggest the government and businesses should find solutions to give incentives to consumers. Companies with products that are not "green" should be charged fees to compensate for pollution.
China did enact a rule in June which charges consumers between 20-40 cents for one plastic bag.
Jiang said, that's a start. In the future, he would also like to see all products sold in China labeled with information about how much energy was used to make them.
The ongoing financial crisis may slowdown global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as governments and businesses may lack funds to support new technology development and use, Cui said.
Which means a low-carbon lifestyle for all Chinese might continue to be just a trend within certain groups.
"Undoubtedly low-carbon development is a correct direction because in the long term, climate change will be the top challenge for humanity," Cui added.
(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2008)
