CCTV9英语新闻：Jilin Province takes the lead on plastic shopping bags（在线收听）

A new year with a new prospect: Jilin province in northeast China has approved the country's first ban on the production and sale of single use, non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags. The ban went into effect on the first day of the year.

"For me I'm willing to pay 1 or 2 Yuan for each bio-degradable plastic bag," Changchun resident Dong Xueren said.

"To reduce the amount of white trash is good for the people and good for society," Changchun resident Zhang Suying said.

At one of the downtown supermarkets in Changchun, locals have said goodbye to the white trash that clogs waterways and spoils the landscape. Alternatively, they can now either bring their own shopping bags or simply grab one over the counter.

"We've noticed the reaction from our customers following the ban order, people are giving a positive response to the new bio-degradable plastic bags even if they are more expensive, and they think a better environment is what matters," Wang Xiaowei, floor manager of Ouya Outlets, Changchun, said.

It is a fact that almost every piece of plastic we have ever thrown away 50 years ago is still here on this planet and will be here for centuries to come. In 2007 the central government laid a soft approach on limiting the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, but what Jilin province is doing now is to test the water on a much stricter rule - putting an end to the non-recyclable, toxic carriers.

"The use of bio-degradable plastic bags -- like the ones we produce -- is very common consumer behavior in the EU and some other developed countries. The problem in popularizing such green products in China is that the cost of biological raw materials is still high, and it can only be brought down once more people start using them," Larry Lin, general manager of Becausewecare Environmental Industry Co., Ltd, said.

As the order goes into effect, what counts now is not letting the ban gradually lose its binding power.

"Tough measure must be followed by close supervision, there should be no room for omission or leniency on those who break the rule. The provincial government has made comprehensive plans while assessing the ban and we are prepared for possible resistances," Song Gang, deputy director of Development & Reform Commission, Jilin Province, said.