As China is becoming one of the world's major markets for luxury goods, many citizens are calling for fighting wasteful behavior to build a sustainable economy and society.

A survey by Horizon Key earlier this year found that 17 percent of city dwellers in China bought new mobile phones after less than 12 months. The survey covered more than 4,000 respondents in major cities across the country.

Additional data: One-third of China's more than 600 million mobile phone users are expected to change phones this year, according to a study recently released by ChinaByte Survey Center.

Meanwhile, the number of luxury cars and villas keeps rising dramatically.

The total number of cars in China increased more than six times in the past six years, making China No 3 in private car ownership, outnumbered only by the United States and Japan.

To prevent the forming of a taste for luxury and wasteful habits, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top advisory body, has called for new regulations to curb excess consumption and investments in luxury projects.

The government issued a series of bans in recent years on the building of golf courses, warning that they are wasting scarce water and farmland.

"Chinese people have a tradition of hard work and frugality. However, waste can now be seen everywhere - in school canteens, hotels and restaurants, especially when the country has seen great economic growth in recent years. For example, every day more than 640 kilograms of rice is thrown into the garbage in canteens at a university in Wuhan of Hubei Province every."

Ren Yuling, a State Council counselor and a CPPCC member

"The government must behave itself and serve as a role model to highlight resource-saving and sustainable development. Some local governments set a bad example, wasting food at official banquets and building too many self-aggrandizing projects and landmark luxury buildings. They always want to build the world's or Asia's No 1 square, lawn, road, tower or golf course in their city. We need to rein in a building boom that may fuel inflation and leave China littered with unneeded shopping malls and luxury housing."

Lu Zhiqiang, a researcher with State Council Development Research Center

"The younger generation has become the country's most powerful consumption force. The slogan 'enjoy today's happiness using tomorrow's money' has been deeply rooted in the hearts of many young credit card holders. I am quite worried about young people's spending spree consumption style. This could create numerous people who consume more than they create."

Zhou Xiaozheng, a sociologist with the China Renmin University

"My dream is to become a star. To fulfill my dream I do not care how much money I spend on promoting my songs. I have persuaded my parents to buy me an expensive recording system. The investment will be worthwhile if I finally win a recording contract."

VAE, 21, a network singer

(China Daily 07/13/2007 page5)