Peking University, Beijing, June 10, 2010: On May 29, the College Students Essay Contest with the theme of "Low-Carbon Life, Care for the Earth" had its final contest and the awarding ceremony in the multifunctional hall of academic exchange center, China University of Geosciences. Tan Zhaomin, a student from College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, jointly supported by the Office of Lab and Equipment Management, Office of Environmental Protection and Youth League of College of Environmental Science and Engineering, won the first prize for distinctive originality in her final speech "Less plastic, More Care for the Earth – Yes We ‘CAN'." She was also awarded the "Youngest Editor in Chief."

This Essay Contest was conducted by Environmental Education Magazine of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. It asked college students in Beijing to write essays themed "Low-Carbon Life, Care for the Earth" in order to appeal to the public to protect the earth with less carbon emission. After the first round contest since April, three students from Peking University, Central University of Nationalities and Beijing Foreign Studies University entered the final. The final contest was in the form of impromptu speech after watching a video clip.

Group Photo: Winners, Representatives from Excellent Student Societies & Judges

Tan Zhaomin, by virtue of her distinctive perspective of "Less plastic, More Care for the Earth – Yes We ‘CAN'," fought her way through the Contest and won the First Prize as well as the opportunity to be the executive editor in chief of Environmental Education Magazine for one day. She interpreted the theme as "Less plastic, More Care for the Earth – Yes We ‘CAN'" as her understanding of a low-carbon life and encouraged the use of cans and other recyclable packaging. "In English the word "can" also means capability. It represents an attitude, capability and anticipation. YES, WE CAN,' she said. The judging panel thought highly of her creative interpretation.

Students' attention to this activity not only reflects their sense of responsibility for environmental protection and sustainable development, but their determination to protect the earth.

Edited by: Seren
Translated by: Zhang Chunlan
Source: PKU News (Chinese)