Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) — When Shanghai resident Tomato Sisi donated her ex-boyfriend’s hoodie to a Shanghai second-hand clothing store with a “Wardrobe Resuscitation for Used Clothes” service, she wasn’t just getting rid of unwanted clothes.
“It felt like a new beginning – for the item and for me,” shared the girl, who swapped her hoodie for a trendy crop top.
This approach – giving things a second life, reducing waste and helping others – has become a characteristic feature of the youth eco-movement in China. For today’s youth, caring for the environment is not an obligation, but a stylish way of life.
From redistributing surplus food in “mystery bags” to vermicomposting in city apartments, young innovators are turning eco-friendly living into a fun daily routine.
The flagship of this movement is the “Sishi Magic Pack” project, which fights food waste by selling kits with unsold but high-quality food from bakeries, cafes and stores.
Since 2021, the initiative has expanded to more than 100 cities, saving a total of over 10,000 tons of food from being thrown away. Through a special app, users can track the reduction of their carbon footprint, combining ecology with game elements.
“It’s like being a magician: you take a bag, save the food, and now you’ve performed a small miracle,” says the project’s 32-year-old co-founder, Cai Lona.
More than 80 percent of users are women aged 18 to 40, attracted by the element of surprise and the opportunity to reduce their ecological footprint. The unknown contents of each package turns conscious consumption into an exciting adventure.
The project’s impact goes beyond ecology. The motto “Magic Gives New Life” was inspired by the story of a user who found emotional support and financial help in the project during a difficult period of career changes. Some participants even met their significant others while picking up packages.
“When sustainability is convenient and fun, people are more likely to embrace it,” says Cai Lona.
It’s an approach that resonates with bloggers like 27-year-old Su Yige, a sustainable and vegan lifestyle content creator with over 110,000 followers on Chinese platforms Bilibili and Xiaohongshu.
Having started her green journey in college, Su Yige promotes eco-living as “hedonism, not deprivation,” sharing tips on buying used cosmetics, vegan recipes, and DIY decor for rental homes.
“Green living is a style, not a mission,” stresses Su Yige, who rejects the pressure of radical eco-activism. “It’s important not to demand perfection, but to start small – even small choices matter.”
Businesses are also catching on to the trend. In Beijing, restaurateur Li Emi, co-founder of Susu
“We don’t let popular dishes run out, but the prepared ingredients shouldn’t go to waste. They now become a culinary experience for guests,” she explains.
Some are taking more radical steps. Zhang Ying, who gave up her career as an English teacher, has dedicated herself full-time to environmental education under the name Sandalwood.
She teaches urban children about composting through a home-based worm farm. The “black gold” fertilizer obtained from food waste nourishes not only plants, but also the minds of the younger generation.
“We are not only producers and consumers, but also important participants in the natural cycle,” she says. “Even a small worm can change the way we experience the world.”
Statistics confirm this cultural shift: a survey conducted by the Chinese newspaper Zhongguo qingnian bao /China Youth Daily/ in 2023 showed that over 90 percent of university students are concerned about environmental issues, actively practicing resource conservation and plant-based eating.
The trend is driving platforms like the 600 million-user second-hand marketplace Xianyu. Restaurants are seeing a rise in demand for “mini” portions, while apps are encouraging eco-friendly habits with subway discounts or the opportunity to plant a tree.
“The older generation was frugal out of necessity, but today’s youth are looking for deeper meaning in their relationship with nature,” analyzes Cai Lona.
She and her team plan to engage restaurants, hotel buffets and suppliers to combat food waste at every stage.
Whether it’s bidding farewell to an ex’s hoodie or saving a croissant, Chinese youth are writing new rules for sustainable living through their everyday fashion choices.
“Perfection is not the most important thing,” concludes Su Yige. “What is important is to do what you can in your own way.”
“Taking care of yourself,” she adds, “can go hand in hand with taking care of the planet.” -0-