A special team of volunteers, known as the "odor inspectors", is busy sniffing out problems in Jiaxing City in east China's Zhejiang Province to promote local environmental protection.
Organized by the local ecology and environment department, this group of volunteers from all walks of life visited a chemical factory in a industrial park to do a simple yet special task: smell for odors.
"To address public concerns over our chemical companies, we've organized a team of 'civilian odor inspectors' as part of our public engagement efforts. These inspectors are invited to the companies to literally use their noses to detect odors. The 'nose standard' complements the existing national emission standards, helping enterprises to reduce unpleasant odors, enhance their environmental management, and ultimately improve the overall environmental quality of the park," said Cheng Xiaoxia, deputy director of Zhapu Economic Development Zone Branch of Jiaxing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau.
The "civilian odor inspector" initiative has been well received by locals, who actively volunteer to promote public understanding of environmental protection.
Meanwhile, enterprises have tightened production standards based on community feedback and oversight, advancing both industrial upgrades and environmental governance.
Public satisfaction with environmental improvements has grown. This initiative has created positive interaction among the public, the government, and the enterprises.
"Civilian odor inspectors" in action for environmental protection in China's Zhejiang
