IKEA Shanghai has begun to charge a fee for its shopping bags in order to reduce the use of plastic bags so as to protect the environment.

Ikea Shanghai divides its shopping bags into two categories. The bigger ones cost RMB1 and the smaller one RMB0.5. A representative from IKEA says the purpose of charging for the shopping bags is to reduce the use of one-off shopping bags and advocate the ideas of environmental protection.

Until August 20, the first 300 customers who come shopping at IKEA Shanghai after 2pm each day can exchange twenty used one-off shopping bags for a blue shopping bag that can be used repeatedly.