树立环保意识

You usually use this phrase when talking about education, personal growth, or social responsibility. It often follows verbs like 'must' (必须) or 'should' (应该). You can say a school is helping kids 树立环保意识. Or you might tell a friend they need to 树立 this awareness if they keep using ten plastic bags for one apple. It sounds a bit like a slogan, so it carries some weight when you say it.

This is perfect for formal settings like a speech, a school essay, or a business meeting about sustainability. You’ll also see it in news reports or government posters. In casual life, you can use it to sound a bit more serious or even slightly 'preachy' in a funny way. If your roommate leaves all the lights on, you might drop this phrase to show you’re serious about the electricity bill.

Avoid using this if you want to be super chill or 'street.' It’s a B2-level academic/formal expression. If you’re at a bar and someone drops a napkin, saying 'You need to establish environmental awareness' might make you sound like a textbook. In very informal settings, just say 'Don't litter' (别乱扔垃圾) instead of using this five-character powerhouse.

In China, this phrase has exploded in popularity over the last decade. As the country shifted from rapid industrialization to the 'Beautiful China' initiative, this phrase became a staple in every classroom. It represents a massive cultural shift toward sustainability. It’s not just a phrase; it’s a national goal you’ll see on billboards from Shanghai to rural villages.

You might hear 增强环保意识 (strengthen awareness) or 培养环保意识 (cultivate awareness). While 树立 is about the initial setup, 增强 is about making it stronger. If you want to sound even more professional, you can use 提升 (elevate/improve) instead of 树立. They all revolve around the same green heart.