Quake jolts people´s attitude toward life

On May 19, Long said her colleagues unanimously accepted a suggestion on the forum, to "eat vegetarian, wear plain clothes, refrain from putting on cosmetics, and not having leisure activities for three days".

"I even changed my QQ (online chat program) icon into a gray heart," Long said.

"I won't squander money, water or electricity," said Wen Ying, who works in a TV shopping company in Hunan province.

"Resources must be scarce after the quake and I will save whatever I can."

Similarly, a person using the pseudonym "little strong fist" said he has started buying cheaper cigarettes. He said he would able to save 200 yuan ($29) every month by doing so.

"I will keep sending the money saved to quake-stricken areas to help with reconstruction," he said.

"Years later, when Wenchuan is reconstructed, I will take chrysanthemums to mourn those lives lost in the disaster."