 |
| Despite of the suffering experience of dense fog, for many Chinese people, festival mood is a priority ahead of clean air during the Spring Festival. (Photo/Xinhua) |
Buzzword No.1: Fireworks, firecrackers, and PM2.5
Many Chinese cities saw their readings of PM2.5, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, off the charts during the Spring Festival holiday, but many residents noticed a marked decline in the number of fireworks and firecrackers set off.
Sanitation workers in Beijing cleared away more than 1,586 tons of spent fireworks on the morning of the Lunar New Year, a reduction of over 155.6 tons, or nearly 9 percent, from 2012. 
Many Chinese cities saw readings of PM2.5 off the charts during the Spring Festival holiday. (Photo/Xinhua)
Comment: The persistent smog in Beijing over the past month taught the residents of Chinese cities a lesson, and enhanced their awareness of environmental protection. Every Chinese person faces a choice between clean air and lively shows of fireworks and firecrackers.
Buzzword No.2: “Clear your plate”, anti-food waste campaign
The central and local governments began to advocate thrift in the run-up to the 2013 Spring Festival, and many people have joined the “clear your plate” campaign during the Spring Festival holiday.
Wu Ruifen, a 68-year-old retired worker in Shanghai, recalled that her family ate frugally at the Spring Festival 20 to 30 years ago, but the Spring Festival Eve dinner has been all about ostentation and extravagance in recent years. It was different this year. They ordered food according to the number of eaters, and took home leftovers so as to reduce waste.
Many restaurants have also adopted effective measures to reduce food waste, including providing half-portioned dishes at discounted prices.
Comment: The subtle changes in the Chinese people’s eating style during the Spring Festival holiday is the epitome of the “transformation” of their New Year traditions. Although relevant measures introduced by the central government are mainly targeted at recreational activities using public funds, the public has followed suit and begun to implement thrift when celebrating the Spring Festival.
The new generation of 'best paid' jobs
Feedback
RSS
