Currently, saving energy and protecting the environment is not only an idea in people's minds, it has also become a popular lifestyle among a growing number of young Chinese, especially those born in the 1980s, xinhuanet.com reported.

"Saving energy is not only a social responsibility that our generation should bear but it is a new and fashionable lifestyle," said Hu Yu, a college student in Hainan Province.

Many young people hold similar views. "Saving energy has become a habit, just like giving seats to people in need on the bus," 27-year-old Beijinger Ren Xianzhang said. In May 2009, when he decorated his newly-bought house, he chose to use energy efficient light bulbs and toilets. "The price of environment-friendly products is a little expensive, but money is actually saved in the long run," Ren said.

Another young girl from the '80s generation, Xie Ting, from Guangzhou City, Southern China's Guangdong Province, is also an active energy saver and environment protector. She brings her own chopsticks to lunch every day; she lessens her batteries use and even recycles the water used to wash her face and hands to flush the toilet. "Saving energy should be done from little things." Xie Ting said.

The Internet, as a major tool and channel for people to voice their opinions, plays a key role in promoting environmental protection among the young generation. One example is the website douban.com, which has more than 200 environment protection groups. Xie Ting, who is a leader of one group, says the Internet is a good platform for those with strong awareness of protecting the environment to communicate with each other.

(CRIENGLISH.com December 8, 2009)