Comments on: China Bans Plastic Bags

By: smartbagsuk

smartbagsuk — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:19:01 +0000

I have to applaud China’s efforts at reducing waste. I hope they won’t have problems implementing a ban on plastic bags, though, considering their population. I believe that all countries should start becoming aware of the harmful effects of using disposable or one-time-use plastic bags on the environment. Governments and companies should start introducing fabric reusable shopping bags to the everyday consumers and discourage supermarkets from giving away plastic bags together with their goods.

By: Inhabitat » New York Mayor Proposes Charge on Plastic Bags

Inhabitat » New York Mayor Proposes Charge on Plastic Bags — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:34:38 +0000

[...] New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed that NYC begin charging shoppers 6 cents for each plastic bag issued at the register. The policy is the latest attempt by the city to go green and reduce its [...]

By: M2JL

M2JL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:20:27 +0000

Way to go China! In Canada I think it’s slowly starting. As far as I know only IKEA charge for their plastic bags but more and more stores (specially grocery stores) are encouraging people to use reusable bags, and more and more people do so as well.

By: Crumhikuu

Crumhikuu — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:01:41 +0000

Im from Portland and I see more and more people going to the grocer with the reusable bags that you can buy for about two bucks I think.
It almost makes shopping more primal… having to bring a tool other than your wallet to hunt for your food. LOL

By: Charlie Blum

Charlie Blum — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:42:01 +0000

Jorge – San Francisco already has a plastic bag ban on the books (link above)
We’ve been reusing plastic bag packaging, e.g. from bagels for the next week’s produce – the cashier’s aren’t happy about it (they have to look harder to see the contents) but c’est la vie

By: Life Less Plastic

Life Less Plastic — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 03:29:43 +0000

I’ve read that the Chinese use an estimated 3 billion plastic bags each day so it’s great that they have taken this step.

As for U.S. cities, I think San Francisco was one of the first.

By: Nick Simpson

Nick Simpson — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:30:26 +0000

So… China HASN’T banned plastic bags then..? Great to see that they’re trying to reduce their use though, every little helps! I wish the UK would catch up on this front, although I’m under the impression it’s not far off…

By: sir jorge

sir jorge — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:10:34 +0000

which city in the U.S will it be first?

I say Seattle.

By: Pit

Pit — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:57:59 +0000

I like it!
Just 2 days ago I realized, that its the same in Germany since 5 weeks. No more free bags. Albeit the very thin small bags that are mainly used at small food stores and in supermarkets for veggies are still cost free.
I was surprised though, that even the paperbags at IKEA are not free for loyal customers anymore… Well, but its probably the right thing :)

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:32:43 +0000

Very good initiative by the Chinese. I have to add though that in my country (the Netherlands) plastic shopping bags have never been free, but of course 16 million people is nothing compared to 1.5 billion people! (Netherlands is a small coastal country in West Europe across from England, for those unaware of it;)