In modern life, plastic bags are widely used because of their convenience, but the accompanying environmental problems are also increasingly prominent. The sustainable use of plastic bags has become an important issue to be solved urgently, which is not only related to environmental protection, but also closely related to the rational use of resources and sustainable development. ​

First, the improvement of recycling system

Strengthen the construction of recycling infrastructure: The government and relevant departments should increase investment in plastic recycling infrastructure, and set up more plastic recycling points that are easy to identify and use in public places such as communities, shopping malls, and schools. At the same time, optimize the layout of the recycling network to ensure a wide coverage of recycling channels and improve the convenience of plastic bag recycling. For example, in some developed countries, communities are equipped with special plastic sorting recycling bins to facilitate residents to put all kinds of plastic products, including plastic bags. ​

Improve the level of recycling technology: The development of advanced plastic recycling technology is the key to improve the recycling rate of plastic bags. At present, physical recycling methods such as melt regeneration can be recycled plastic bags remade into plastic particles after heating and melting for the production of new plastic products. However, this method has high purity requirements for plastic materials, which limits the recycling of some complex plastic bags. Therefore, it is necessary to further develop chemical recycling technologies, such as depolymerization technology, which can decompose plastic bags into original monomers or oligomers, to achieve more efficient and more extensive recycling. ​

Second, the promotion of biodegradation technology

Research and development of new biodegradable materials: Scientific research institutions and enterprises should increase investment in research and development of new biodegradable materials, and develop materials with good performance and reasonable cost that can replace traditional plastics. For example, biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyfatty acid ester (PHA) can be broken down into carbon dioxide and water by microorganisms in the natural environment, which is environmentally friendly. However, at present, these materials have problems such as high cost and processing performance, which need to be improved through technological innovation. ​

Promote the market application of biodegradable plastic bags: The government can encourage enterprises to produce and use biodegradable plastic bags through policy guidance. Enterprises that produce biodegradable plastic bags are given tax incentives, subsidies and other support to reduce their production costs and improve market competitiveness. At the same time, strengthen the publicity and education of consumers, improve consumers' awareness and acceptance of biodegradable plastic bags, and guide consumers to choose to use biodegradable plastic bags. ​

Third, reduce the use of plastic bags

Strengthen publicity and education: through public service advertisements, community publicity activities, school education and other channels, to publicize the harm caused by the excessive use of plastic bags to the public and improve the public's environmental awareness. Advocate consumers to bring their own environmental bags shopping, reduce the use of disposable plastic bags. For example, the "No Plastic Day" campaign launched by some environmental protection organizations has been widely spread through platforms such as social media to encourage consumers not to use plastic bags on specific dates and gradually change their consumption habits. ​

Fourth, innovative design and multi-functional application

Develop reusable plastic bags: Design plastic bags that are durable and washable so that they can be reused many times. For example, the use of high-strength, waterproof and easy-to-clean materials to make plastic bags adds fashion elements to the appearance design and increases consumers' willingness to reuse. Some brands have launched foldable, portable large-capacity shopping bags, which are convenient for consumers to use and reduce the frequency of plastic bag use. ​

The sustainable use of plastic bags needs to start from many aspects such as recycling, biodegradation technology application, reducing usage and innovative design, and through the joint efforts of the government, enterprises, scientific research institutions and the public, to explore a way to use and management of plastic bags in line with the concept of sustainable development. ​