China, the world's most populous country, has banned free plastic shopping bags from its stores, in an effort to cut down on the pollution caused by literally millions of bags dotting the landscape.

The ban applies to bags less than an inch thick (the ones that tend to break and blow to the four winds most easily). Stronger bags will be allowed, but consumers will have to buy them.

The Chinese government is strongly urging its citizens to use (and reuse) cloth bags for their shopping.

China's move follows similar efforts in Bangladesh, France, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United States.