Beijing's Haidian district took the lead in promoting "green
shopping bags" amid a national crackdown on plastic bag use.
Staff members of the Haidian Bureau of Commerce sent out 100
"green bags" within 40 minutes on Wednesday at a conference
attended by the district's political advisors and representatives
from regional government institutions.
The "green bags," larger than the standard free plastic bags in
supermarkets, are made from recycled plastic, which can also be
adequately recycled again, Wang Shuxia, director of the bureau,
told the Beijing News.
Along with the "green bags," the bureau also distributed pencils
and notebooks made from recycled paper.
The State Council issued a ban Tuesday on production of
ultra-thin plastic bags, which are usually handed out for free in
supermarkets and shops.
"Our country consumes enormous amounts of plastic bags every
year. While providing convenience to consumers, they have also
caused serious pollution, and waste energy and resources, because
of excessive use and inadequate recycling," a notice posted on the
central government's Web site read.
(CRI January 11, 2008)