China bans the use of plastic carrier bags.

In a surprise announcement this week, the Chinese government has declared, that it is to place a total ban on the production, distribution, and use, of all plastic bags in supermarkets and other retailers.

This is a huge step, in terms of changing normal retail practices, and in foreseen long term environmental benefits. The Chinese currently use a staggering, 21 billion plastic bags, every week, so the saving of raw materials, and landfill impact, will be very large indeed.

The average Chinese citizen is reportedly happy with this environmentally, very friendly move. Retails are also apparently willing to fall in line with the new regulations. It seems that sturdy, reusable carrier bags will still be permitted under the new regulations, but all other plastics will be replaced with mostly cloth bags which are easily recyclable.

This is part of a wider government push towards recycling, that has already seen legislation against, what China calls ‘white pollution’, this legislation has included restrictions on the use of other plastics, in particular Styrofoam.

There is little sign of other countries taking such drastic action, in the U.S, a handful of cities such as New York and San Francisco are dipping their toes in this particular pool, national politicians have yet to make any real changes in such areas.

The U.S. is also not pushing ahead with China’s upcoming reforms in the field of tax concessions for recycling companies, which are said to be at an advanced stage.