Unlike the new nanotech underwear developed by the US Air Force, our planet’s environment is not self-cleaning. But somebody’s got to do it, and in a twist of responsibility, China’s youth are teaching the older generation how to get the job done.

In a movement called the Green Long March, China’s youth are joining together to create a network of student environmental activists that spans more than 50 universities. The march, which is organized by Future Generations China and the Beijing Forestry University, has mushroomed in size from 2,000 participants two years ago to over 5,000 this year.

2009’s march kicks off on April 4, with an Opening Ceremony to be held at Beijing Forestry University. The event, which is open to the public, will be attended by hundreds of student environmentalists showcasing their environmental campaigns and getting dirt under their nails by planting trees.

The theme this year is energy, and the March is more than a one-day open house of student-led campaigns. During the rest of the year, many students will travel across the country, holding workshops and putting their plans into action.

Green March volunteer Li Jingsi was recently given an award by the Clinton Global Initiative for her work on biogas, a key sustainable solution to China’s rural energy needs. This year, she plans to organize a team of Green Long March volunteers to educate and demonstrate the uses of biogas, and will be targeting government departments and businesses to influence energy policy.

It’s fitting that China’s environmental movement is taking 
hold of the younger generation. As Chief Seattle famously said: 
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

 Learn more at www.futuregenerations.org.cn.

 
tbj talked to Green Long March Student Leader Wu Yunlong about his work promoting organic farming in Sichuan as part of last year’s march.

the Beijinger: What did your work in Sichuan involve?

Wu Yunlong: Because of the earthquake last year, the agriculture in Sichuan was in ruins. Our school took it as an opportunity to go and help, and to promote sustainable, organic agriculture at the same time. Our group went to the Sichuan cities of Minyuan, 
Anxian and Huanglong and opened green libraries, which we filled with books on sustainable farming. We also organized events that taught methods of sustainable farming. Then we went to Beichuan – the worst-hit place – and helped clean up the schools there. The government was providing funding for volunteers to build simple houses. So our group was there, along with a lot of other people who came to help. During the day we would build, and at night we would play movies about environmental education and sustainable farming. A lot of people watched.

tbj: How did you become interested in environmental protection?

WY: I’m from Shanxi province – the most polluted province in China. Growing up, I always disliked the pollution in my hometown, and I wanted to do something to change it. My parents have always hoped I would find a good job where I could earn a lot of money, but I’d like to always be involved in this line of work – environmental protection, working with farmers. I’d like to join an NGO. My parents don’t really understand the purpose of NGOs – they don’t object to what I’m doing now, but they’re not supportive either.