China: You would not like a bag with that

It's a fact of life in China that just about anything comes in a little plastic bag. That's all about to change: In what all reports are calling a surprise move, the central government has banned (translated) ultra-thin plastic bags and will require regular bags to be sold with a clearly marked price starting June 1.

This demonstrates the way the government can simply declare an end to a technology for environmental reasons, even a 1950s technology like plastic bags. Whether enforcement will actually end plastic bags is not something I care to guess about.

The key here is to understand what an ultra-thin plastic bag is. Coming from the United States, where the question "paper or plastic" is a cultural institution, I was used to thicker bags. These are problematic enough for the environment, and several cities, countries, and stores. The plastic from these bags deteriorates into microscopic particles, but it does not bio-degrade, resulting in the gradual dispersion of tiny plastic particles throughout the world's oceans.

The bags subject to the ban are even thinner than what I was used to--less than 0.025mm thick. I first encountered them when buying jīanbǐng (煎饼), often known as Chinese crepes or Chinese pancakes, at a university convenience store. Once the 25-cent treat was ready to eat, the cook slipped it in a tiny sack, and I walked off to savor my junk food. These bags started accumulating in my trash bin. Fried noodles came in them, as did roasted nuts, baked goods, and fruit, among other things. I can only imagine that these ultra-thin bags deteriorate faster than the stronger ones.

There's even some hope that the pay-for-bags structure may make the sort of biodegradable bags used at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 appealing to more people. At the very least, one hopes the 2008 Olympics in Beijing will deal with waste gracefully.

[treboona]

China might attract criticism for its executive style of administration, lacking the layers of consultation that might accompany the mechanics of other governments, but this can work for the good (as in the case of these bags). As the rememdies they can apply can be swift and decisive. The Chinese government acted in a similar fashion to combat pollution caused by small motorbikes. The rule was simple, if you rode a particular motorbike you will hand it back to the government (they gave you it in the first place), and they would supply you with a new electric version, and all this would happen on set dates - no argument. China may be catching up quickly in terms of levels of pollution, but they do possess the capability to do something about it in a far shorter timescale than many western countries.
Mark.
[e-mail]
www.treboona.co.uk

[gwbstr]

Thanks for the comment, Mark. This is something many non-Chinese observers find hard to reconcile: An un-democratic government is not always bad all of the time. All indications are that the environment is a top concern for China's national leaders, and it's not without a measure of self-interest. Environmental degradation can mean life degradation for residents, and just because China is not democratic doesn't mean they don't have to keep the support of the public. I'm just wondering whether the plastic bag thing will **** off a bunch of people, if it's even enforced effectively.

[chengdu28]

I am glad to hear this. In three years of living in China, I was shocked to see all these thin plastic bags on the side of the road. The locals tend to reuse the stronger plastic bags, but just toss the thin ones.

How will this work with the street venders selling Baozi and other foods? Will they charge as well? In Chengdu, many of the street venders are illegal... Regardless, this is a great start.

Next, they need to put deposits on bottles and cans.

Great Article

Josh

[mahery7]

Does anyone have any info R/comparisons between thin and thick plastic bags in terms of:
1. Its chemistry
2. Cost
3. Degredation time
4. Effect on environment
Thank you