Plastic cutlery and plastic bags will be banned in 7 cities or prefectures and major tourist attractions of Tibet, sources from Tibet Environmental Protection Department.

Photo shows a young Tibetan gets a free green bag in the shopping mall.

Zhang Yongze, director of Tibet Environmental Protection Department said:"Tibet will impose ban on producing, selling and using disposable plastic cutlery and plastic bags in 73 townships of 7 cities or prefectures and major tourist attractions this year. At present, the supermarkets, shopping malls, vegetable markets, as well as restaurants are still using the disposable plastic cutlery and plastic bags. To hand out green recyclable bags could enhance people's awareness of environmental protection."

With the "white pollution" situation deteriorated, Lhasa started to take actions to limit the disposable plastic bags since 2004. Furthermore, in March 2005, Lhasa issued the management measures to prohibit producing, selling and using disposable plastic cutlery and bags.