A news report in the Guangzhou Daily said that at least 100 plastic bag factories in Guangzhou have shut down since the June 1 enforcement of China's national restrictive policies on plastic bags, quoting an unnamed "industry insider."

That's the power of 1.3 billion consumers. No data is available on the reduced use of plastic shopping bags on a national level. But media and trade association have reported "significant declines" in individual stores and regions.

Guangzhou authorities have also confiscated more than 20,000 bags in the past two months. But an official also acknowledged that ultrathin plastic bags are still being used in farmers markets. Guangzhou residents in particular, prefer to buy live fish and seafood as well as fresh meats.