Plastic Bags banned in China

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The Chinese government says it is banning shops from handing out free plastic bags from June this year, in a bid to curb pollution.

Production of ultra-thin plastic bags will also be banned, the State Council said in a statement.

Instead, people will be encouraged to use baskets or reusable cloth bags for their shopping, the council said.

The move comes amid growing concern about pollution and environmental degradation in China.

China was using huge quantities of plastic bags each year, the State Council, China's cabinet, said in its directive, posted on the main government website.

"Plastic shopping bags, due to reasons such as excessive use and inefficient recycling, have caused serious energy and resources waste and environment pollution," it said.

Easily discarded

Of particular concern were cheap, flimsy bags that many shopkeepers routinely handed out to customers.

"The super-thin bags have especially become a main source of plastic pollution as they are easy to break and thus disposed of carelessly," the statement said.

Shops that violated the new rules could be fined or have their goods confiscated, it said.

The council also called for greater recycling efforts from rubbish collectors, and suggested financial authorities should consider higher taxes on the production and sale of plastic bags.

In recent years, China's rapid development has triggered concerns over pollution and use of resources.

But correspondents say that there is a growing awareness that more needs to be done to protect the environment.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7178287.stm

[Carlawarla 1]

I read about something similar in a town or village in England the last few weeks. I think it's a great idea. I was cleaning out my linen closet and thought of cutting up some sheets we don't use anymore to make some cloth bags to keep in the car to haul our groceries. I do notice however that in the grocery stores here (St. Louis) there is a recyle bin for used plastic bags. I suppose this is a good idea, as long as their is a market for items that they use these bags for. I don't know at this moment what that is though.

Carla

Edited January 9, 2008 by Carlawarla

[Aymerlu 3]

I think it's a great idea! Our home is going to try to be more green this year. Every little bit helps!

[eric&gen 0]

Need to ban toys made from china.

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Good. They need to ban them here too.

[HAL 9000 96]

Good idea... there's better used for plastic. Anyway, are the Chinese that big of a consumer society (yet?)?