China has big plans to reduce single-use plastics by 2025. It is fast-tracking measures to cut the production and use of plastics in the next five years. By the end of 2020, non-biodegradable plastic bags will be banned in major cities. Food delivery and takeaway services, which use a lot of plastic, will stop using single-use plastic straws and cutlery. These will be banned nationwide. They will use alternative things, like biodegradable shopping bags.
Single-use plastics are a big source of pollution. They are a part of our daily life and throwaway culture. China wants to reduce overconsumption to reverse our use of plastics. Previous regulations on plastic use, in 2008, cut the production of 67 billion bags. The United Nations said all countries needed similar policies. It said the world cannot cope with the amount of plastic waste we generate, We must rethink how we manufacture, use and manage plastics.