Literature Review: White Pollution
White pollution has gained increasing awareness by people in China. In order to improve our living environment, people unavoidably need to fight against white pollution. The Chinese government legislates plastic-bag ban in 2008. After this, no free plastic bags are allowed in any supermarkets or local markets. However, whether this new law is effective enough has been critically viewed by the society.
The government's aim is to reduce people's reliance on plastic bags and further control the production of plastic bags from source. By charging plastic bags, the government wants to connect common people's vital interest with the use of plastic bags and the protection of environment. Through this, people's concepts of being environmental will be modified. Apparently, however, the acceptance of the masses isn't popularized. Most people still think it's inconvenient without plastic bags and they are reluctant to use substitutes of plastic bags. They care more about their own interest and ignore the real purpose of the government.
One common mistake people always make is to recognize white pollution as another way of saying plastic pollution. Though "white" is a vivid description of the color of plastic bags or plastic cases in China, actually white pollution also includes other kinds of pollution. For instance, soil pollution. The widely use of plastic-film mulch in farmlands in China cause the soil to turn into sediments. The reason why mulch is so popular is it helps the growth of plants and seal the moisture in the soil. The yield of crops is increased tremendously. Over years, mulch deposits in the soil. Crops cannot survive on sediments and the production is now greatly decreased. One example is Xinjiang's serious mulch problem[6].
Besides the different kinds of pollution included in white pollution, it's also more appropriate to categorize all improperly disposed disposable goods as sources for white pollution. This is because in recent years, many substitute materials are applied in the production, such as paper pulp and plant fiber. Although these materials are natural, they also decompose slowly. Having water proof and oil repellent reagent in the components, the tableware or other products made from these materials are also difficult to recycle and dispose. Disposable products are one reason why white pollution has been so difficult to root out.
Another reason is the prevalence of local markets, small supermarkets and street vendors. market workers and street vendors often provide free plastic bags to customers and this is an effective strategy used to attract customers. The charge on plastic bags isn't affordable and most vendors and supermarkets are able to cover the costs.
Through my research, young educated Chinese people are shown to be able to consciously reduce the use of plastic bags. Probably more promotions are needed for older and less educated people. Moreover, the charge on plastic bags should be increased. In this way, white pollution may be more effectively eradicated.
The government's aim is to reduce people's reliance on plastic bags and further control the production of plastic bags from source. By charging plastic bags, the government wants to connect common people's vital interest with the use of plastic bags and the protection of environment. Through this, people's concepts of being environmental will be modified. Apparently, however, the acceptance of the masses isn't popularized. Most people still think it's inconvenient without plastic bags and they are reluctant to use substitutes of plastic bags. They care more about their own interest and ignore the real purpose of the government.
One common mistake people always make is to recognize white pollution as another way of saying plastic pollution. Though "white" is a vivid description of the color of plastic bags or plastic cases in China, actually white pollution also includes other kinds of pollution. For instance, soil pollution. The widely use of plastic-film mulch in farmlands in China cause the soil to turn into sediments. The reason why mulch is so popular is it helps the growth of plants and seal the moisture in the soil. The yield of crops is increased tremendously. Over years, mulch deposits in the soil. Crops cannot survive on sediments and the production is now greatly decreased. One example is Xinjiang's serious mulch problem[6].
Besides the different kinds of pollution included in white pollution, it's also more appropriate to categorize all improperly disposed disposable goods as sources for white pollution. This is because in recent years, many substitute materials are applied in the production, such as paper pulp and plant fiber. Although these materials are natural, they also decompose slowly. Having water proof and oil repellent reagent in the components, the tableware or other products made from these materials are also difficult to recycle and dispose. Disposable products are one reason why white pollution has been so difficult to root out.
Another reason is the prevalence of local markets, small supermarkets and street vendors. market workers and street vendors often provide free plastic bags to customers and this is an effective strategy used to attract customers. The charge on plastic bags isn't affordable and most vendors and supermarkets are able to cover the costs.
Through my research, young educated Chinese people are shown to be able to consciously reduce the use of plastic bags. Probably more promotions are needed for older and less educated people. Moreover, the charge on plastic bags should be increased. In this way, white pollution may be more effectively eradicated.