The Wasteful Habits of College Students: A Growing Concern

May 25
04:56

2024

LIE PLIAN

LIE PLIAN

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In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged among college students: the disposal of gently used shoes and bags as if they were mere rubbish. This practice has not only raised eyebrows but also provided scavengers with a lucrative income, earning up to 4,000 RMB per month. When questioned, scavengers often express dismay, lamenting that these students have forgotten the value of frugality.

The Student Perspective

When asked why she discarded her belongings,The Wasteful Habits of College Students: A Growing Concern Articles one student candidly replied, "It's too much trouble to sell these things for just a few pennies. I'm too lazy to worry about it." This sentiment is echoed by many students across various universities, including Chongqing University, Chongqing Normal University, and Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts. The primary reasons cited for discarding items are that they are out of fashion or simply take up too much space.

Spending Habits

A recent survey of 40 students from eight universities revealed some startling statistics. On average, students spend more than 2,000 RMB per month. Here's a breakdown of their monthly expenses:

Category Boys (RMB) Girls (RMB)
School Meal Card 500 400
Phone Fees 200 -
Clothes 600 -
Dinner & Entertainment 700 -
Cosmetics & Skincare - 600
Pocket Money - 600
Gifts for Birthdays 500 -

Boys typically spend a significant portion of their money on meals, clothes, and entertainment, while girls allocate a large part of their budget to clothes and cosmetics. Interestingly, if girls run out of money, they often turn to their boyfriends for additional funds.

The Scavenger's Perspective

Around dormitory buildings, scavengers are a common sight. They often try to gain favor with building supervisors to access the apartments directly. One such scavenger, Mr. Qiu Shenggui, has been working around Chongqing University for three years. He earns over 4,000 RMB per month by selling classified garbage at flea markets.

Parental Concerns

Parents are often at a loss when it comes to their children's spending habits. Despite their awareness of the issue, they feel powerless to change it. The one-child policy has led to a situation where children are often the center of attention for both parents and grandparents, making it difficult to enforce frugality.

Expert Opinions

Professor Zhang from Southwest University believes that the sense of thrift has long disappeared from the hearts of college students. He suggests that parents encourage their children to earn money during their free time to understand the value of hard work. He also recommends that parents provide only the basic living costs and nothing more.

Conclusion

The wasteful habits of college students are a growing concern that needs to be addressed. By understanding the root causes and encouraging more responsible behavior, we can hope to instill a sense of frugality and responsibility in the next generation.

Interesting Stats

  • According to a report by the China Youth Daily, 70% of college students in China receive financial support from their parents, with 30% relying entirely on their parents for all expenses (China Youth Daily, 2021).
  • A study by the National Bureau of Statistics of China found that the average monthly expenditure of college students in urban areas is 2,500 RMB, with a significant portion spent on non-essential items (National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2020).

For more insights on student spending habits, you can refer to China Youth Daily and the National Bureau of Statistics of China.

This article has been crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the wasteful habits of college students, backed by data and expert opinions. It aims to shed light on a growing issue and offer potential solutions for a more responsible future.