As the Chinese New Year approaches, authorities in Beijing are advocating officials and Party members to set an example to residents by not letting off firecrackers for celebrations.

The proposal, issued in an official circular of the city, is a good move because of fireworks' detrimental impact on air quality, says an editorial in Beijing Youth Daily.

Setting off fireworks has become an essential part of the celebrations for the Lunar New Year. However, as smog is now such a pressing problem in Beijing and many other cities, their use should be discouraged as they only aggravate the air pollution.