Liu Bao arranges books in his book house in Changzhi city, Shanxi province, Oct 16. Various old books he collected are piled up in the book house which covers less than 10 square meters. [Photo/Xinhua]

Liu Bao, 45, is a painter in the urban area of Changzhi city, Shanxi province. He has been advocating for environmental protection in many primary and secondary schools around the city since 1987.

Apart from painting in the city square to earn his livelihood, Liu spends most of his time collecting waste paper and books in local primary and secondary schools, selling them and using the money to buy new stationery for children in undeveloped poor mountain areas.

In 2013, Liu Bao opened a special free book house in the city, where books are not for sale but for helping students in need.

"People can exchange books here so that unused books can be recycled," said Liu Bao. He will continue advocating for environmental protection in education to develop young people's awareness of recycling and sustainability.