All the three wet markets in Pudong's Gaodong Town will start using environmentally friendly plastic bags this Thursday, as part of a move enhancing market service and people's health in the region.

The pPudong government will pay 20,000 yuan (US$2,410) for the first batch of new bags, while the subdistrict, vendors and local residents are expected to share the cost in the future.

According to officials from the Pudong Office of Patriotic Health Campaign Commission, the government will provide certain favorable policies like cutting the rent on stalls to encourage vendors to use degradable bags, whose cost almost doubles the price of the bags currently used.

"We are very confident people will accept the new bags," said Ni Genhe, director of the Pudong Office. "In a trail launched at Zhuyuan Market on October 13, the new bags were hailed by residents and vendors who saw a significant business increase."

Officials said the traditional plastic bags are harmful to people's health if they are used to directly hold food like fish and fresh produce, while the new bags aren't poisonous and will degrade within nine to 14 months.

"It takes some 400 years for traditional plastic bags to degrade," Ni said. "In addition to protecting people's health, this move is also aimed at educating people about the importance of environmental protection."

Officials said the move will be promoted to other districts if it proves successful.
"It is so great to use environmentally friendly bag, which is safer to the human body and good for the environment. Customers are willing to pay a small amount of money to invest in our health," said a retired woman.

(Shanghai Daily November 16, 2004)