Source: CCTV.com

01-14-2008 09:02

China is banning free plastic bags at shops and supermarkets, and ordering customers to pay for any they use. The rules, which take effect on June 1st, come as the country tries to curb waste and reduce pollution.

China is banning free plastic bags at shops and supermarkets, and ordering customers to pay for any they use.(Photo:sohu.com)

Up to three billion plastic shopping bags are used in China every day.

Often, the flimsy bags are used once and discarded, adding to waste and pollution. It's hoped the situation will change by putting a price on the bags.

People so far have appeared to take the ban in stride, reflecting a rising environmental consciousness. But there are some doubts.

One person said "I welcome the measure. Plastic bags are bad for the environment."

Another said "Paper bags are better and easier to break down."

Another said "I support the decision. But I am not sure whether other people may like it, because something that's free now, will have to be paid for."

Retailers' reactions are also mixed.

One supermarket staff said "We will help to promote facts about environmental protection to our customers, and explain anything necessary for them."

Cao Jingli, Huapu supermarket said "We are very concerned about the new policy. We are working on alternative materials for our next generation of shopping bags, and we will inform our customers in advance the choices they have for carrying the goods they buy."

The government's concern over skyrocketing oil prices is also a key factor in pushing forward the ban. Some five million tons of oil is used to make plastic bags each year in China. That's 1.5% of the country's annual oil consumption.

Under the new rules, businesses will be prohibited from manufacturing, selling or using bags less than 0.025 millimeters thick. The National Development and Reform Commission has outlined which types of plastic bags will be affected.

Li Jing, from NDRC, said "Businesses making the super-thin plastic bags will be punished. For those making more durable bags, we will put forward more strict criteria to regulate the process."

In the meantime, the government will provide preferential policies for businesses.

Li Jing said "We will provide technical and capital support for companies to have better recycling technology and to use oil more efficiently."

In addition to policies, the government will set up more measures for collecting, delivering, storing and recycling plastic bags. Authorities set the goal of cutting the use of plastic bags by over sixty percent.

Editor:Xiong Qu