The concept of environmentally friendly (green) cars, houses, food, household appliances and tourism, spreads throughout China like a "green wave."

About 800 food companies manufactured 10 million tons of "green products of over 1,000 varieties last year, valued at 50 billion yuan, 10 times that of 10 years ago, according to the latest statistics.

The consumption of "green" products is not only confined within food products. More and more people prefer to buy commodities like energy-saving lights, freon-free refrigerators and lead-free petroleum.

And most shopping malls have changed from paper bags to recycle plastic bags and set up recycling centers for used batteries.

It is estimated that some 10 million volunteers will promise consume more of "green" goods since March 15, as well as to save water, electricity, and sort out rubbish.

Governments at all levels will provide an abundance of "green" food by cultivating fields for grains, vegetables and milk during the year. Meanwhile, they will also lay down criterion for "green" construction materials, cosmetics and shampoo.

Beijing has put forward a slogan for "Green Olympics", advocating nonpollutant technologies. Guided by this idea, "green" toilets and lighting systems using solar energy will be adopted in many stadiums.

The annual theme of the National Consumer Association (NCA) is named "Green Consumption," including choosing environmentally friendly products, disposing of daily rubbish and saving energy for sustainable growth.

"The color 'green' represents vitality and health, so green goods consumption means energy saving and environmental protection, according to Mr. Wang, an employee in local company.

Sociologists think it is a remarkable progress that the "green" concept is sweeping China. Only when people have a well-off live, will they care more about their own health, social security and sustainable development.

Historians connect the consumption of "green" goods with the Chinese civilization. The Chinese people used to make use of the natural resources and cure diseases. They have a virtue of being economical and pay attention to the balance between human beings and nature. "People's consumption mentality and behavior have begun shifting to respecting nature and pursuing healthy lives. Instead of lavish consumption, people tend to be environmentally friendly, according to Yang Shukun, secretary of NCA.

(Eastday 03/02/01)