Supermarkets, department stores and groceries across China have stopped giving out free plastic bags since last Sunday.

People's Daily published a commentary on Monday, saying it is every citizen's responsibility to reduce white pollution and protect the environment.

The paper says in many Chinese cities, non-profit groups have been handing out free reusable bags to people and telling them how harmful plastic bags are to the environment.

Although plastic bags are cheap and convenient to use, in recent years people are paying more attention to environmental protection and the harm that white pollution brings.

The paper hails the provisions laid out in many other countries to limit the usage of plastic bags, such as using reusable bags, setting up recycle bins and fining violators.

To conclude the article, the paper urges people to change living habits. As long as everyone participates in stopping the usage of plastic bags and spares no effort to limit white pollution, we can protect our earth more effectively.