Low-carbon lifestyle in China: fad or return to tradition?

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Lin Hui always checks the small tag attached to clothing when he shops. He wants to see what kind of fabrics have been used.

“I prefer cotton clothing,” explained the Beijing-based website editor. “I heard the production of polyester fabrics consumes too much oil and energy, which is not green.”

Whether cotton fabric is truly greener, or more environmentally beneficial, than polyesters remains a subject of debate. But Lin’s attitude is clear - he wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide.

“What I do may be trivial, but if everyone tries to live a low-carbon life, the result will be really big,” said the 35-year-old.

Just this year, the low-carbon lifestyle, or Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS), suddenly became trendy in China, particularly among young urbanites, Lin said.

He works for ditan360.com, a non-profit, environmental website set up early this year. It provides all kinds of information about carbon offset, including government policies, tips on how to save energy and stories about celebrities “going green”.