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The compassionate life of Xu Zhijun

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Xu Zhijun

Xu Zhijun, born in June 1970, is deputy director of China Land and Resources News.

On Jan. 16, 2013, Xu Zhijun launched the "Clear Your Plate" campaign on his Tencent Weibo account to encourage people to appreciate the food they have and take action to end hunger. In fact, Xu had been posting photos on Weibo encouraging people not to waste food for a year before the campaign was officially named the "Clear Your Plate" campaign.

"The ‘Clear Your Plate' campaign is about thrift, public welfare and good habits," Xu said on his Weibo account. His posts soon gained the support of some famous people and some major media outlets, making his "Clear Your Plate" campaign a public concern. Waste in the restaurant industry in China and throughout the world is a big problem. Given that there are still a large number of poor people in China who often lack food security, the problem of excessive food waste must be firmly stopped.

On Jan. 17, 2013, an article entitled "Netizens Call for an End to Food Waste" caught President Xi Jinping's attention, and on Jan. 20, 2013, the General Office of the CPC issued the "Notice to Call for Practicing Strict Economy and Combating Waste." Two days later, CCTV News broadcasted a report on the "Clear Your Plate" campaign. The theme of World Environment Day 2013, "Think. Eat. Save," was also posted on the official website and Weibo of the United Nations Environment Programme.

On March 18, 2014, the General Office of the CPC and the State Council issued "Views on Practicing Strict Economy and Combating Waste," transforming the campaign from a public movement into an important task for the government.

Xu has also been giving free rides to people in Beijing for 16 years. Over the years, he has provided free transportation to thousands of people in need, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, the disabled and hospital patients. "It's too hard to take a taxi in Beijing, especially for those who are old. What you have done brings warmth to the city. You bring warmth to the deepest parts of our hearts," said an 82-year-old man whom Xu had helped twice.

When asked why he gives others free rides, Xu is filled with emotion. "From 1982 to 1988, I went to high school in a boarding school that was far from my home. I was given a free ride many times, so I do this now to pass on that kindness," he explains. Xu has also developed good driving habits that have served as a good example to many people.

"Is anyone going towards the direction of Xisi? I can offer a free ride," Xu asks people on the roadside. Xu hopes his work in Beijing will continue for many years to come.

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