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SCMP Reporter

We need to go beyond Earth Hour
 Earth Hour, a global WWF event that raises awareness of the need to take action on climate change, was held successfully last Saturday.  
A record 3,200 buildings and organisations - and 320 schools - took part this year, turning their lights off for one hour.   
The WWF estimated  there were 2.5 million participants - a large  increase from the previous year. This shows there is a general awareness that the Earth is very fragile after the damaged caused by humans.
Of course, this does not mean we can save our planet simply by switching off the lights for an hour a year. 
It is only a way to remind us that we have the ability to save energy and to save the world. 
There are many ways to be energy-efficient, such as using public transport instead of cars, taking showers instead of baths and cooling ourselves with fans instead of air conditioners.   
We should all give a helping hand to our planet.  
 Let's all take part next year. Let's save the world together.
Prisca Kwok, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
The real costs of counterfeits
 Over the years, Chinese people have achieved a lot which we can be proud of,  such as sending astronauts to the moon and rapid economic development. 
 But fake products made on the mainland have sparked suspicion and criticism all over the world.  
For centuries, the Chinese have upheld Confucianism. Businessmen should trade conscientiously and ethically.  But counterfeits are flooding local and global markets. 
You may consider this a simple matter of being cheated. But we are paying a huge cost for  counterfeits.  Consumers are becoming less trusting. 
In the end, China's international image and reputation would  be damaged. And this would have serious consequences for the whole country. 
 Manufacturers and shops should not be putting others' lives and health at risk. It is clearly wrong to make and sell fake products - even food and medicine - just to earn a few more dollars.
Money is not the most important thing in the world. People should not put themselves and others in danger just to make some quick money. 
Chin Tsz-ki, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School
Love your school uniform
Do you like your school uniform? Some students may think their uniforms are old-fashioned. Uniforms are usually plain and dull, and students are required to wear black shoes. They may want something more fashionable.    
 But they should think of  uniforms as symbols. Uniforms show  which school they attend. If they act improperly in public, the school's image will suffer.    
Uniforms also give us a sense of belonging to the school. Students are like one big family. If you dislike your school uniform, please change your mind by considering its benefits.   
Chow Mei-chau,  Leung Shek Chee College
Unfairness in the new budget
The budget has stirred so much debate in the city, sparking protests and demonstrations. there were violent confrontations between the police and protesters. 
Many have criticised the government of not using its revenue appropriately.  
Handing out cash to every permanent citizen aged 18 and above is not a bad idea. But the government has failed to think about the minority who will not benefit from this measure. This is unfair. 
 I think every person who contributes to society should enjoy the same rights and benefits.  
If the government really wants to help the people with this budget, it should show more concern for those who are in need of money. It is only reasonable for all people to be treated fairly.  
I think the government should make sure  its budget brings the same benefits to different groups in society. It should make plans to help everyone in need.
This could  be one step towards easing the income gap between poor and rich.
Tsang Laicy Keltin Da Silva, Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo)



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