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.