Banning plastic bags: A necessary and brave step

People use paper bags and plastic baskets to go to the market to limit the use of plastic bags. Photo: TL

According to regulations, from January 1, 2026, hotels and tourist areas in Hanoi will not be allowed to use and circulate disposable plastic products, including: toothbrushes, razors, cotton swabs, shower caps; disposable plastic packaging for toothpaste, shower gel, body lotion, shampoo, hair conditioner.

From January 1, 2027, markets and convenience stores will no longer be allowed to provide non-biodegradable plastic bags for free. From January 1, 2028, these establishments must completely stop circulating and using non-biodegradable plastic bags, except for packaging goods, etc.

It is not difficult to see that plastic bags are present in every corner of urban life. From bustling traditional markets to modern supermarkets, from street food stalls to convenience stores, plastic bags are used indiscriminately. They wrap everything from vegetables, pieces of meat to take-away coffee cups, and then are thrown away after just a few minutes of use.

As a result, tons of plastic bags are released into the environment every day, clogging sewers and polluting land and water. Images of pitch-black canals filled with plastic bags, or giant landfills filled with all kinds of plastic, have become familiar, presenting an alarming environmental picture.

Reducing the amount of plastic waste, especially nylon bags, will help reduce environmental pollution, protect the ecosystem and public health. But this policy will come with challenges. Changing a habit that is deeply ingrained in the subconscious of the majority of people is not easy. Even when there are regulations, many people can still find ways to circumvent or ignore the law.

Many consumers, especially in traditional markets, are used to receiving free plastic bags and will need time to adjust to bringing their own bags or paying for replacement bags.

Despite the obstacles, Hanoi's bold decision to issue a ban on single-use plastic bags is not just a single action but part of an overall roadmap to reduce plastic waste, towards a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful capital.

From the story of Hanoi, think about Thai Nguyen . In recent times, the province has had many movements and activities to limit the use of plastic bags, towards a green lifestyle and environmental protection. Women's associations at all levels in the province have deployed the model "Going to the market with a basket" to members to minimize the discharge of plastic waste into the environment.

Many stores and supermarkets have stopped providing plastic bags at times, encouraging customers to bring their own bags or buy reusable bags.

Organizations and groups actively promote and encourage people to change their habit of using plastic bags in their daily lives, towards waste classification and reduction of plastic waste. But after the campaigns and movements, everything returns to normal. Therefore, Thai Nguyen should also take action like Hanoi.

The plastic bag seems simple, the problem is how we consume and dispose of it. If each small action is taken every day, it will create a sustainable consumer society, reduce plastic pollution and create a truly circular economy.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202507/cam-tui-nilon-buoc-di-can-thiet-va-dung-cam-cde05f7/