Xu Zhijun

Chinese people love hosting feasts, and feel embarrassed, or "lose face", if guests eat all of the dishes. Xu Zhijun has tried to change this mindset, and he won support from many celebrities, media outlets and the government.

Two years ago, Xu posted a tweet on Sina Weibo, China's most popular microblogging platform, that read: "No leftovers from now on! Starvation has become the top killer in the world, and takes 10 million lives a year. Recycling 5 percent of wasted food can save 4 million people. Please save food!"

His post was shared more than 2,000 times and read by more than 3 million people. In March 2013, the State Council issued its "Advice on Economizing and Fighting Against Waste of Food". A huge "Clear Plate Campaign" was thus launched nationwide.

Xu said being economical is also an act of charity.

"Being thrifty does not mean living a difficult life, rather it's about cherishing the limited resources on Earth. I expect more people to join in the 'Clear Plate Campaign'."

On his Weibo account, Xu named himself Xiake, the swordsman upholding justice in many a Chinese kung fu novel. He said he practices the swordsman's spirit in his own way, by giving free rides.

Xu has given free rides to strangers on the road in Beijing for 16 years. If he finds someone possibly in need of a ride, he will pull up to say, "Hi, I'm heading for Xisi, do you need a ride?"

He recalled picking up an 82-year-old man twice recently.

"It's difficult to hail a taxi in Beijing, especially for old people like me," the old man told Xu. "What you are doing represents the city's warmth, and I will remember it for all my life."

Xu said he was returning a favor, as he often hitchhiked when he was in middle school. For him, a stranger can also be the one reaching out a helping hand.

caoxiating@chinadaily.com.cn