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銆€銆€Wang Wei makes sure every day that she unplugs all of the electric appliances in her home when they are not in use.
銆€銆€The move has been inspired by the government's pledge to cut carbon intensity to tackle climate change, said the 31-year-old woman living in Beijing.
銆€銆€The Chinese government unveiled its target last week, ahead of the upcoming climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, to trim the amount of carbon dioxide emitted for each unit of gross domestic product by 40 to 45 percent by 2020, compared to the levels in 2005.
銆€銆€"I don't think it is an easy goal without the contribution of every person that lives in the country, so I have decided to do my share," she said.
銆€銆€She has proposed a low carbon life style in her blog, calling more people to avoid using disposable chopsticks, wash clothes by hand, take buses or metros and cut back computer usage.
銆€銆€Actually, the so-called low-carbon life has become trendy and cool in recent years among the generation who are in their 20s and30s.
銆€銆€They, who have felt the pressure of climate change and pollution caused by emission of greenhouse gases, are reducing use of electricity and water, and curbing unnecessary purchases in an attempt to help cut carbon emission. They are therefore given the name of "the low carbon tribe."
銆€銆€Shi Zhaoyuan has been a member of this tribe for two years.
銆€銆€"The climate is really changing. When I was little, Beijing always saw heavy snows in the winter. The snowfalls then piled up to my knees," said Shi, 24 years old, recalling her memory about Beijing's winter. "Now we can barely see snow here in winter", she said.
銆€銆€"To help deal with the climate change, what I can do is to livein an energy-efficient and environment-friendly way."
銆€銆€In her mind, low carbon life means a thrifty way of living and working. For example, she washes her face and hands with a basin rather than flowing tap water every day and then saves the water to flush the toilet. She also takes a glass wherever she goes to avoid using disposable paper cups.
"My next agenda is to influence people around me. What I do maybe trivial, but if everyone tries to live a low carbon life, the result will be really big," she said.
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