Support from all quarters, especially through changes in legislation, is urgently needed to establish a resource-efficient society, says an article in the Legal Daily. An excerpt follows:

The municipal government of Beijing stated air conditioners in its government offices should be set at 26 C or above between July 1 and August 31. Officials may not necessarily wear suits and ties in the offices unless they have to meet foreign guests.

Almost at the same time, the central government issued similar notices reminding civil servants to pay more attention to saving resources.

In this way, officials set a good example, which will certainly have a positive influence across society, and help promote the idea of a resource-efficient society.

We have to admit that the waste of resources is still rampant in our country. Besides the good example set by the government, one of the most urgently needed catalysts is change in some laws and regulations.

Legislation should first try to promote recycling in production, which can greatly enhance efficiency in the use of natural resources and reduce pollution.

Such a development strategy combines environmental considerations with economic efficiency, easing the conflict between environmental protection and economic development.

Therefore, various laws and rules should be worked out to encourage resource recycling.

(China Daily July 14, 2005)