The biggest plastic bag factory in China responsible for the output of approximately 250,000 bags annually, shut its doors earlier this month after the State Council introduced measures to reduce waste created by the bags. On June 1, stores in the country will be banned from handing out free plastic shopping bags, meaning stores will have to make the switch to stronger bags that can be reused.

About 10,000 factory workers were sent home when the factory closed down, despite the fact that these government efforts are often not enforced due to opposition from local governments.

While it's always unfortunate to hear of job loss as significant as this, if you can choose to see the silver lining, hopefully the benefits of these efforts from the Chinese government will be seen in the reduction of waste and pollution. What do you think would happen if North American stores faced a similar plastic bag ban?

» CNN Asia