Three years have passed since the plastic bag ban came into force. However, while the regulations are proving effective in supermarkets, they aren't working well in smaller markets.

The plastic bag ban has established more environmentally friendly habits among Chinese shoppers. In this Beijing local market, most shoppers bring fabric bags with them.

Beijing Resident said, "Take a look, I don't use plastic bags, I bring my own fabric bag with me."

According to China's Department of Statistics, the country has saved 24 billion plastic bags in the past three years.

Li Jing, National Development and Reform Commission, said, "Two thirds of plastic bags have been saved in supermarkets. That's the equivalent of nearly 4 million tons of petroleum."

But the regulations have not had the same success in small markets. Many venders still offer plastic bags for free. Lack of supervision is seen as the most likely explanation.

Market Vender said, "Before, no one cared. But recently supervisors have been stopping us from giving out plastic bags quite as often. I don't know why."

On December 31st, 2007, China established a plastic bag ban, forbidding the production, use, or sale of plastic bags thinner than 0.025 millimeters. All retail establishments were forbidden to provide plastic bags for free. The ban came into force on June 1st, 2008.