Single-Use Plastic Bags Banned. Here Are Some Alternatives.

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Though we are still waiting for the nationwide plastic straw ban to be implemented, several related consumer-facing environmental regulations were put in place over this May Day holiday. Those included new rules banning Beijing restaurants and delivery services from providing disposable utensils unless requested by the customer, as well as prohibiting the city’s hotels from providing single-use items in rooms, again, unless requested. Moreover, according to Beijing News, the holiday will be marked by a crackdown on vendors who flaunt the no-free plastic bag rule.

That means this is a great time to finally get your reusable-shopping-bag game together. Without further ado, here’s your handy guide to reusable handles:

Jute bags 黄麻袋 huáng mádài

If you’re looking for a totally plastic-free, biodegradable bag that won’t clog up the city dumps even if you eventually throw it away, then jute is the way to go.

Unfortunately, jute bags are less commonly found than more plasticky alternatives. You might find one if you venture all the way out to Ikea, otherwise you might have to order one online, which means the packaging might undo your environmental karma. If you’re set on jute, though, try searching Taobao for 黄麻袋.

Plastic Travel Bags 编织袋 biānzhī dài

Large plastic totes, popular in China for moving or traveling, can be found in nearly any grocery store. Of course, the production of these bags is not exactly eco-friendly, but using them is preferable to asking for a plastic bag at the counter. Find these bags on Taobao by searching 编织袋.

Canvas totes 帆布购物袋子 fānbù gòuwù dàizi

Unfortunately, canvas bags usually contain some plastic as well. Understandably, however, readers with a fashion sense will prefer this style to the gaudy, offensive patterns often found on the plastic totes. Find canvas totes at local venues such as The Daily Bagel (image above), Beijing Postcards (right image at the top of this blog), or at large chain stores like Miniso or Subway. Find totes on Taobao by searching 帆布购物袋子.

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Reusable mesh produce bags 可重复利用食物透气网袋 kě chóngfù lìyòng shíwù tòuqì wǎng dài

The crackdown may help to reduce some disposable bag use, but the rules do not yet apply to plastic bags used for fresh produce. That means that reusable produce bags are a must-have if you want to completely cut out disposables from your shopping practices.

Simply search Taobao for 可重复利用食物透气网袋 or “reusable mesh produce bags” to find these see-through, washable bags.

Easy upcycled t-shirt bag

This simple cut and tie bag craft is a great activity for kids. Sewing a bag of your own would be one of the simpler projects for a new seamstress, but for those with no interest in buying needles, thread, and cloth, there is another way.

It is possible to make your own reusable bag out of nothing more than an old T-shirt! No sewing is required, and all you need is a pair of scissors. With supervision, this also makes a great craft for kids of all ages, as well as an opportunity to talk to them about the merits of upcycling.

You can find a full tutorial on Mommypotomus by scanning the QR code below, but the essential steps are as follows:

1. Cut off the sleeves of the shirt.

2. Cut out the neckline to form the handles.

3. Cut a fray in the bottom of the shirt, about half an inch to one inch apart.

4. Tie the frays together to form the bottom of the bag, and you’re done!

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Images: Beijing Postcards, Amazon, Taobao, Youtube, giphy

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