NPC Deputy Chen Fei made headlines by bringing 56 food baskets and attaching over 3,000 handkerchiefs to Beijing for the "Two Sessions," highlighting the theme of green environmental protection and the fight against "white pollution." This year’s sessions have seen a strong focus on reducing plastic use, with many delegates pushing for stricter regulations to curb the widespread problem of plastic waste.
According to recent data, the country uses around 3 billion plastic bags daily, leading to an annual consumption of over 6 million tons. With 15% of this becoming waste, more than 1 million tons of plastic end up as litter each year. In response, the State Council issued a notice last year banning the production and sale of thin plastic shopping bags. Starting June 1st this year, all retail stores are required to charge for plastic bags, making them no longer free. Additionally, the use of plastic bags thinner than 0.025 mm is completely prohibited nationwide.
The policy also encourages people to use cloth bags, reusable food baskets, and durable shopping bags instead. Businesses are urged to simplify product packaging and opt for eco-friendly alternatives. Some companies are even offering free cloth bags to customers in an effort to promote sustainable habits.
Most retailers have supported the initiative, believing it will help reduce resource waste and environmental damage. However, some consumers remain skeptical. “Plastic bags are convenient, but I don’t want to carry a bag every time,†one customer said. Others expressed concern that the new rules might be inconvenient and difficult to adapt to.
At Xinhua Fortress Store, a customer asked for a large plastic bag after checkout, noting that they didn’t cost anything. According to the cashier, the store’s three locations in the city use about 400,000 plastic bags per month, costing around 450,000 yuan. During the Spring Festival, the store provided some eco-friendly bags for free, but many customers still preferred plastic. The fear of additional fees has left some shoppers uneasy.
Similarly, at Metro Longquan, the introduction of paid reusable bags caused complaints from customers, who saw it as an extra charge. At Quanzhou’s store, a cashier mentioned that the paid plastic bag policy began on June 1st, but its success depends on government enforcement and public acceptance.
As the policy rolls out, it remains to be seen how well it will be received and implemented across the country. Continued efforts from both authorities and businesses will be crucial in shaping a greener future.
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