The plastic bags are still here

It’s almost been one month since the government implemented new policies limiting the use of plastic bags, in order to reduce pollution. But as far as I can tell, it doesn’t seem to be having any effect yet.

I go to the supermarket almost every day and have noticed that most people still aren’t bringing their own shopping bag to the supermarket. While those who have only bought one or two items just carry their purchases by hand or put them into their handbags, those who have bought a lot seem perfectly happy to pay three to five jiao for a plastic bag. And since the supermarkets and shops can set the prices of plastic bags on their own, this policy seems suspect as it offers the shops a way to make some extra profit.

Plus, most people use the plastic bags they get from supermarkets as garbage bags. Now, they still use just as many garbage bags, only they have to pay for them now. What’s the point of that?

Asking consumers to start paying for plastic bags can’t really solve the pollution problem. Maybe it would be better to start using recycled paper bags. A garbage treatment scheme, too, would work better to help reduce pollution.

Claire Li