Cities in Japan Reduce Use of Plastic Bags

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of Japan conducted a nationwide survey on local governments' efforts to reduce plastic bags on 1 November 2008. According to the results compiled on 14 January  2009, 80 percent of prefectures and 40 percent of municipalities have already implemented schemes to in some way reduce the use of plastic shopping bags. As compared to the last survey in April 2008, many more local governments have implemented measures to reduce plastic bags. Almost all prefectures in Japan are actively involved in or plan to implement schemes to reduce plastic bags.