20 January
The Chinese government has announced a plan to sharply cut the production and consumption of non-biodegradable plastics.
Under the plan announced on Sunday, disposable plastic straws at eating and drinking establishments across the country will be banned by the end of the year.
The government will also ban single-use plastic bags at supermarkets in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities.
By 2025, the use of plastic containers for food deliveries in cities will be cut by 30 percent.
The plan calls on hotels across the country to refrain from offering plastic items to guests.
The government is also planning a total ban on the import of plastic waste.
China used to be the world's top destination for plastic waste for recycling and disposal. But three years ago, it banned most of the imports out of fear of environmental pollution.
-NHK
