Many Hongkongers may be wishing for cleaner air this year and will hopefully make a contribution themselves - at least the motorists among us. The Take a 'Brake' Low Carbon Action initiative, sponsored by the Standard Chartered Hong Kong 150th Anniversary Community Foundation, enlisted up-and-coming teeny-bop idol Kandy Wong San-yee for its mission to curb exhaust fumes.

Wong, joined by some Tai Po schoolchildren and their parents, visited the Nam Sang Wai wetland in Yuen Long last Thursday for a breath of fresh air. The group of 30 was shown how they could reduce their carbon footprint by an ecologist from environmental group Green Power. They toured the wetland on bikes, visited organic farms and observed migrant birds.

The celebrity ambassador hopped on a bicycle to show her commitment to a greener lifestyle. 'If more drivers let their cars have a day off and use public transport instead, not only would there be fewer traffic jams but also the air quality in Hong Kong would improve,' she said.