On June 1st, 2008, the Chinese government banned the use of plastic bags in shops, supermarkets, and sales outlets all over the country. It was immediately accepted by consumers. In a country where millions of plastic bags are used each day, the government's top-down policy move will benefit environment and energy security. Xie Zhenhua, Vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, says he believes the use of plastic bags in markets has been reduced by two thirds. It means 270,000 tons of plastic has been saved. He is optimistic about the future.

Xie Zhenhua, Vice-minister of National Dev't & reform Commission, said, "According to our estimates, the use of plastic can be reduced by 400 thousand tons per year in all retail outlets in China, equivalent to saving petroleum by 2.4 million tons, and reducing CO2 emission by 7.6 million tons."

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