UNDP, Zhou Xun, P&G join hands to promote green actions

By Chen Hong (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-07-17 18:58

SHENZHEN: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a new campaign, "Green China Action", in Shenzhen on Friday afternoon aiming at improving environmental awareness.

With the participation of P&G, the world leading household commodity supplier, and Chinese actress Zhou Xun, who is UNDP's National Goodwill Ambassador, the action will promote green consciousness, including using fewer disposable chopsticks and paper cups, in 3,300 shopping malls and supermarkets nationwide from July to November.

As an incentive, they will give away five million P&G products to consumers, including portable lunch boxes, thermoses and reusable water bottle, who cherish green shopping. Using these environmentally friendly and convenient green products will not only facilitate consumers' green behavior but will also help them easily measure their actual contribution to environmental improvement, said the organizer.

"We know that consuming less and cutting carbon emissions can help us save money. In the midst of the financial crisis, the momentum of government and public support is there: protecting against climate change is actually good for the economy. People worldwide will need to alter their lifestyles to use natural resources more efficiently and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Silvia Morimoto, deputy country director of UNDP China.

Zhou Xun announced her "Green Commitment" at the launching ceremony, which was staged at Wal-Mart Shekou Store, calling for consumers to start from little daily choices around them and play their part in improving the environment.

Chairman of the Board of P&G A. G. Lafley said, "The starting point of sustainable development, simply put, means ensuring better lives for us and for our following generations."

The US retailing giant Wal-Mart planned to promote Green China Action's activities in all of its 150 Chinese stores, inspiring 7 million Wal-Mart shoppers to actively take part in the campaign. "We will appeal to all of our employees and their families to set an example for sustainability, to the best of our ability making plastic bags disappear from our lives," said Mimi Lam, vice-president of shopping mall procurement of Wal-Mart China.