The Mongolian Cabinet decided on Wednesday to ban plastic bags measuring less than 0.035 millimeters in thickness nationwide starting from 1 March 2019. The ban is being seen as one of a raft of measures aimed at removing all threats the environment. However, thick plastic bags will still be allowed to be used.

Plastic bags cause many minor and major ecological and environmental problems. For a country with such beautiful landscapes as Mongolia, it is important that the countryside be kept tidy – this is an economic factor considering the importance of attracting tourists. The bags, however, cause specific ecological problems, especially when they pollute major water sources, rivers, and streams.