The walls can illuminate and the tableware is edible in the ZED (zero-fossil-energy developments) Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo's Urban Best Practices Area, where the low-carbon concept has been fully been embodied.

"Well, the taste is not bad, and chopsticks are more delicious than the plates," said Mr. Liu, a Shanghai resident, when eating the tableware at the ZED Pavilion.

"In our zero-carbon restaurant, you can buy various types of low-carbon set meals. Please try it," introduced a restaurant staff member passionately. The food Mr. Liu ate was low-carbon beef curry with rice served by the restaurant.

Lamps made from beer bottles, chopsticks made from chocolate, plates made from cookies and all the food served by the low-carbon restaurant in the ZED Pavilion can be linked to the low-carbon concept. According to restaurant staff, not only is the tableware edible, but kitchen waste can also be used to generate power and heat.

Another highlight in the ZED Pavilion is the fluorescent paint on the wall surface. The solar energy collected by the building can be released as fluorescent light, which can reduce energy consumption and turn the entire pavilion into a luminous building.

Chen Shuo, director of the ZED Pavilion, said that if the cost of investment for this type of building can be recovered within a period of seven to eight years, it can be popularized widely.

"It is not impossible for ordinary residential buildings to realize zero-carbon emissions. Ordinary people can also possibly lead 'zero-carbon lives' in two years,"he added.

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