An issue beyond firecrackers and cleaners

A photograph of two elderly street cleaners holding a heart-shaped card with a message that appeals to young people to set off fewer firecrackers so that they could return home earlier to celebrate the Spring Festival has gone viral on Chinese social media. Like some other online hot topics, the cleaner-couple's plea has drawn netizens into a debate on social issues.

The street cleaners' plea has a simple meaning: Fewer firecrackers mean less cleaning to do and thus earlier return home for the Spring Festival. It's understandable that, as an elderly couple, they cherish the chance of spending some time with their children, grandchildren and other relatives. No wonder, the couple's appeal has moved a lot of netizens, with many urging people to sympathize with street cleaners and cut back on the use of firecrackers.

Not surprisingly, "firecrackers" have drawn the attention of environmental activists, who have joined the plea for setting off fewer firecrackers to also minimize air pollution. With air pollution worsening in many regions of China, the appeal has elicited many people's support.