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"Think globally, act locally" is a term which has long been used by environmentalists, and it is one which we ought to adopt more in our everyday life, particularly as Beijing is often enveloped in smog, and the authorities strive to reduce the pollution which contributes to this toxic cocktail.
We can practice what we preach in many different ways, such as avoiding wasteful consumption of material goods and energy.
And one of the most practical ways this can be done is by adopting the mantra "two wheels good, four wheels bad" and using the most practical form of transport for short and medium-length urban journeys - the bicycle, which will not only reduce the carbon footprint of your journey to zero, but also help to keep you fit and healthy.
I always regretted the fact that so many people in Beijing ditched their bikes in favor of cars at the first available opportunity, but there are now encouraging signs on the horizon regarding a resurgence of pedal power.
One of the most positive signs is the appearance of bike rental in Beijing, and how readily much of the populace - particularly the city's young people - are taking it up.
Mobike's distinctive bicycles, with their orange wheels, white body and black handlebars are now a common sight in the city.
The bicycle-renting app was launched in Beijing on Sept 1, and it allows users to locate and reserve registered bicycles in their area.
Each Mobike is equipped with a special chip, GPS and sensors, allowing it to be located and recording the route it travels. Using the app, riders can easily find the Mobike nearest to them, and all they need to do is scan a QR code to unlock it.
Before riding the Mobike, customers need to register and pay a 299-yuan ($44) deposit. The rental fee is a mere 1 yuan for 30 minutes.
Such developments are encouraging, but I am certain that many more people would opt for two wheels if they knew they could be a bit confident about their safety once they got on the road.
To make matters a bit safer, we need to send a clear message to many of Beijing's motorists: "You are not the kings of the road", you are merely sharing this resource with the rest of us, so please show a bit more courtesy to the other road users.
In particular that means actually giving the right of way to cyclists when you are using what are still officially designated as "bicycle lanes", they are not side roads or parking lots for the sole pleasure of motorists.
They are the only place us humble cyclists can go, we have no other option. Otherwise we cycle on the sidewalk and endanger the safety of pedestrians? No thank you! Or perhaps we should cycle on your precious road? No, I don't think you would like that very much!
A positive development in some areas of Beijing is the use of barriers to provide a proper bicycle lane which is too narrow for any other type of vehicle to enter. Let's have more of these and allow the city's cyclists to ride with a bit more confidence.
Contact the writer at ian@chinadaily.com.cn
