During the Chinese New Year period, issuing banks always have to issue new banknotes to cope with the massive public demand brought about by using new notes as lai-see. In 2008, the Bank of China and Banco Nacional Ultramarino together additionally issued 4.5 million pieces of new MOP 10 notes in the run-up to the Chinese New Year.

While it is nice to receive new banknotes, we should also consider the adverse impacts on natural environment produced by the printing of the new banknotes.

In the advent of the next Chinese New Year, we would like to appeal to the public for using good-as-new banknotes as lai-see and contribute to conservation of natural resources and environmental protection.