Since June 1, all Chinese retailers have been banned to provide free plastic shopping bags, as the nation tries to reduce energy consumption and polluting emissions by using less plastic bags.

Various activities were launched across the country during the 18th annual publicity week on energy saving, which falls in mid-June, to raise public awareness or share and promote energy-saving practices.

In Beijing, residents were urged to buy energy-saving bulbs at a 90-percent discount. In Hefei, more than 10,000 people showed up to sign their names on a banner in support of the energy-saving efforts. In Shanghai, lectures, demonstrations, consulting services were staged in residential areas.

All efforts relating to the promotion of "Green Olympics" will leave a precious heritage for Beijing when the Games are over, said Tan Xuxiang.