*More and more young Chinese people are embracing a low-carbon lifestyle, choosing electric cars, public transport and products with low-carbon labels.
* The country’s efforts to achieve a “dual carbon target” have helped raise public awareness and foster a growing market for green products.
* Many Chinese companies are responding to consumers becoming more conscious about their carbon footprint.
GUANGZHOU, April 22 (Xinhua) — For Yang Mengming, commuting by electric bus, removing disposable chopsticks from takeout orders, and using her own coffee cup instead of a disposable one are all routine. It has become.
A 30-year-old office worker in southern China’s high-tech hub Shenzhen buys new energy vehicles (NEVs) for personal use, preferring products with low-carbon labels even if they cost a little more than other products. .
“Everyone can contribute to environmental protection within their means, which will benefit everyone in the long run,” Yang said.
Mr. Yang said China’s efforts to achieve the “dual carbon target” are helping to raise public awareness and foster an expanding market for green products, which will encourage Chinese people to adopt low-carbon lifestyles. This represents the fact that the number of young people is increasing.
Wang Jingjun, a postdoctoral researcher in the central Chinese metropolis of Wuhan, always carries cloth bags to save on plastic bags and pays attention to low-carbon labels on products when shopping.
“It’s nice to know that in recent years, there are more and more low-carbon products, from paper towels, sanitary napkins, shampoo, furniture to home appliances,” said the 31-year-old postdoctoral researcher at Huazhong University of Science. And technology.
Rise of low carbon market
Many Chinese companies are responding to consumers who are becoming more conscious about their carbon footprint.
On Monday, the Shenzhen-based company launched carbon-free open-ear headphones. Manufactured by Shenzhen Grandsun Electronic Co., Ltd., Cleer ARC 3 has achieved carbon neutral certification by maximizing the use of recyclable materials, green power and low power consumption equipment.
The company’s president, Wu Haiquan, said the company was inspired by the country’s “dual carbon goals” to reach a peak in carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
“As governments develop green policies and promote low-carbon awareness, low-carbon consumption will become an inevitable trend,” Wu said. “It is better for companies to take action sooner rather than later to seize opportunities and stay ahead of the curve.”
Another Shenzhen-based jewelry company, Yuepeng Gold, released its first zero-carbon gold bullion product last year by using recycled gold and shifting to energy-saving production.
The company said the zero-carbon gold bullion received a warm welcome from consumers and sold out within minutes at China’s mid-year online shopping festival, known as the “618” shopping festival.
Michael Lefebvre, Chief Technology Officer of Grand Sun, commented on the market outlook for carbon-neutral products in China, saying that an ecosystem of such products is rapidly taking root in China and that it will lead to new carbon-neutral products. He said it is benefiting development.
China is already the largest market for NEVs, with domestic sales reaching 8.29 million units last year.
“If consumers are already buying low-carbon electric cars and refrigerators, it’s not a huge leap to think they need to reduce the carbon footprint of other devices,” Lefebvre said. ” he said.
Jiang Zechuan, an official with the Shenzhen Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, attributes the growing popularity of low-carbon lifestyles to government guidance, enterprise innovation, and public participation.
“The government will first guide and encourage enterprises to engage in research and development of low-carbon products. Then, it will encourage consumers to choose such products and form low-carbon consumption habits,” Jiang said. Ta.
low carbon lifestyle
Zhao Chengzhu, a 30-year-old Beijing resident, has developed the habit of riding a bicycle for short distances to work.
“In large cities like Beijing, it is often more convenient to ride a bicycle than to drive a car. Moreover, cycling helps minimize carbon emissions and reduces society’s dependence on natural resources. I hope it will be useful,” said Mr. Zhao.
Hellobike, one of China’s leading bike-sharing companies, announced that its bike-sharing service covers more than 500 cities in China and has more than 600 million registered users.
According to Chu Yiqun, vice president of Hellobike, by the end of 2023, the company will have cycled more than 42 billion kilometers, which is equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.9 million tons.
“Our core users are between the ages of 20 and 45, and their main usage scenarios include commuting, transit, leisure and entertainment,” Chu said.
Younger generations are particularly interested in low-carbon lifestyles. A 2020 survey by the China Youth Climate Action Network found that 95% of interviewed university students aged 18 to 24 support a low-carbon lifestyle, and 62% of them are willing to pay a higher price to protect the environment. I am willing to pay .
“Today’s young Chinese people have a broader world view, stronger moral values and public consciousness, and as a result, they are more concerned about carbon emissions and environmental protection,” Wang said. Told. “Furthermore, our generation will witness and benefit from the realization of China’s dual carbon goal.”
(Reporter: Hong Zehua, Yue Wenwan, Yao Yuan, Video reporter: Li Sijia, Hong Zehua, Zheng Xin, Li Duojiang, Zhao Yuhe, Guo Liangchuan, Video editor: Zhang Yucheng, Wei ying, Zhang Yueyuan, Zhao Xiaoqing) ■
