This past weekend saw 30,000 Chinese youth across the country mobilize for a series of performances, projects and lectures in the Great Green Initiative, the largest grassroots, youth-led environmental campaign in China to date. The event was timed to coincide with over 7,000 other events taking place in 188 countries across the world as part of the “10/10/10 Global Work Party” initiated by 350.org.

In Beijing, the action took place on university campuses and in Shuangjing, just across from the Viva mall,. Students and environmentalists took part in the Great Green Race, running around town collecting trash to make into public sculptures, an event co-organized by eco-arts group Greening the Beige. Other activities included children painting, and speeches given by the leaders of a number of green action groups.

We have to admit that Sunday was a rough day for the environmentally conscious in Beijing. The smog was so thick we couldn't see the end of our street, and heading outside to check out the GGI was a daunting prospect. But the enthusiasm of everyone there was heartening, and we hope their actions now will translate into less smog in China's future. Congrats, GGI and GtB! Keep up the good work!