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[Free Report] A New Plastic Bag Ban

by Aiyang Zheng | 10-05-2021 22:50 recommendations 0

As China¡¯s economy developed, plastic bag use has become ubiquitous. Supermarkets, for example, gave plastic bags out for free. As they were thin and tore easily, many consumers would throw them out in the streets after a single use. The problem was dubbed ¡°white pollution¡± and caused serious damages to the environment. As a result, the Chinese government took action in 2008, requiring a plastic bag surcharge in a bid to reduce plastic waste. According to the National Development and Reform Commission, China¡¯s top planning authorities, the number of plastic bags used at supermarkets and other retailers had fallen by almost 70% in 2009.


Now, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the white pollution problem is reemerging. A new plastic bag ban is implementing by local governments. In Shenzhen, my hometown in South China, nondegradable plastic bags have been prohibited at venues such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and the takeout service, since the beginning 2021. By the end of 2022, the ban will be expanded to all urban areas of prefecture-level cities and coastal counties and county-level cities in Guangzhou province.


Nevertheless, lots of businesses still provide free plastic bags. Some of them said the available degradable plastic bags should be more affordable. To promote the plan, local law enforcement authorities have joined hands with volunteers to inspect local markets, to educate the public to raise their awareness, and to encourage businesses and citizens to participate in the environmental protection campaign.


Still, this new ban is not an easy task and needs some time.

 

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3 Comments

  • Yuseon Mentor says :
    Hi Aiyang,

    This is your mentor Yuseon:D

    Thanks for sharing the "A New Plastic Bag Ban".
    As you have mentioned the original plastic bag had lots of problems. It is environmentally harmful, yet as it is almost impossible to re-use it, it is like producing lots and lots of trash everyday for daily use.

    I personally think that it should start with not giving out free bags. This doens't help in reducing plastic bag usage.

    Thanks for sharing:)


    Posted 20-05-2021 16:39

  • Debbie Mentor says :
    Hi Aiyang,

    This is your mentor Debbie :)

    ¡°White pollution¡± has become a more severe issue because of COVID-19 as you??ve mentioned. We are becoming more aware and conscious of our health and hygiene.

    Personally I feel that we should work our best to reduce the use of plastic bags not only through law enforcement but also from deep down in our hearts.

    Thanks for an informative article, Aiyang!

    Green Cheers,

    Debbie
    Posted 17-05-2021 10:08

Eco Generation

  • Eco Generation says :
    Hi Zheng!

    Yes yes I definitely agree that we DO use a lot of plastic bags;(
    In Korea, a lot of place charge for plastic bags too.
    Starting from myself, let's use reusable bags or grocery bags!
    Posted 11-05-2021 15:29

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