Learning from the media about the serious issue of food waste in society, Hu Baotao, a 57-year-old man from Ningbo, decided to drive his small van across the country to promote the "Clean Plate Campaign." Since setting off on March 11, Hu has already traveled to nearly 20 cities including Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Yancheng, collecting thousands of signed pledges from the public.
"The campaign for practicing thrift and opposing waste should be carried out long-term, and we as citizens should also do our part," said Hu Baotao. His initial motivation was simple — to help further instill this positive ethos at the grassroots level.
Hu Baotao named his campaign the "Charity Journey Across China." On March 11, he set off from Ningbo, traveling with a second-hand minibus. Reporters noted that the vehicle had a rather unique appearance — its entire exterior was covered with posters themed around eliminating waste, and on the roof was a large sign that read "Oppose 'Waste on the Tip of the Tongue'." "This kind of design is eye-catching; people will remember it once they see it," Hu said proudly of his creative idea.
Since he is funding the trip entirely out of his own pocket, to save on costs, Hu Baotao has turned his vehicle into a sleeping quarters. Inside the cramped space, there is also a pile of mysterious equipment. Hu said that while promoting anti-waste efforts, he is also happy to provide some services to others.
"I want to give special thanks to my wife. She strongly supports my charity work, and to help support me, she went back to work after retiring," said Hu Baotao.
After completing promotional activities, Hu takes out his "mysterious equipment" to offer various volunteer services to local residents, such as sharpening scissors and kitchen knives, grinding traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and taking photos. When time permits, he also visits local nursing homes to show movies for the elderly, check their blood pressure, and sometimes even play the erhu to entertain them.
It is reported that Hu Baotao is already a seasoned volunteer. Since 2004, he has been consistently involved in public welfare activities in Ningbo and was once honored as one of the "Top Ten Outstanding Volunteers in Zhejiang Province."