The city of Paris has decided to ban non- biodegradable plastic bags in large stores as of 2007, in an effort to cut down on pollution. Experts say these disposable bags account for 8,000 tons of waste generated in Paris each year, at a cost of more than $2 million.

Thanks to the wide support of major supermarket and retail chains, the 'No plastic bag day' campaign in Hong Kong will be extended to 2007. The stores have promised to have the campaign at least once a month and more than 30 major stores have joined the voluntary scheme to reduce the indiscriminate use of plastic shopping bags.

A ban on the use of plastic bags will take effect on February 1, forcing shoppers to either provide their own bags or pay for the new-style thicker recyclable bags. Wildlife, Environment and Tourism Minister Kitso Mokaila said that the new law aims to protect the environment. "Plastic waste is the most visible and a major concern because it has environmental implications and there is need for us to manage the problem," he said.

Zanzibar's ban on the import and production of plastic bags has come into effect. Authorities on the semi-autonomous Tanzanian islands say discarded bags damage the marine environment and hurt its crucial tourism industry. But the BBC's Ally Saleh in Zanzibar says many people are sceptical about whether the ban will be enforced.

South Australians lead the nation in their support for a ban on plastic bags, a Newspoll survey says. Nine out of 10 people surveyed (91%) said they were in favor of a ban on plastic bags to help reduce landfill, damage to marine life and greenhouse gas pollution. Legislation is currently being developed.