Reducing plastic waste is shared responsibility

Almost 10 years have passed since China implemented a nationwide ban on retailers distributing bags free of charge, and banned the production, sale and use of ultrathin non-biodegradable bags.

Unfortunately, however, the ban that came into effect on June 1, 2008, has failed to achieve its purpose of eliminating plastic bags thinner than 0.025 millimeters from the market, as such bags are still given away free to customers at roadside stalls and small shops.

Indeed, they are just part of China's plastic bag problem. Large supermarkets and department stores charge customers for thicker plastic bags, but the fee is just too low - at 0.2 yuan (3 US cents) or 0.3 yuan - to dissuade customers from using them.