It's not a big thing, but it's something the US couldn't imagine, despite being mindlessly easy and completely painless.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/09/china.plastic.bags/index.html

They're making moves on air pollution too - mostly driven by the Olympics. I hear that breathing in Bejing is a tactile experience.

Heck, it's a start. Of course, it's a lot easier to do make big changes when you don't have to worry about voters... But I applaud the effort.

Now, if they can just keep these changes going past the Olympics, it'll be a good thing.

It is absolutely amazing to see China (the same China that brought us Tienanmen square) giving a damn what the rest of the world thinks of them...

The best thing that the US could do is to ban free parking.

The best thing that the US could do is to ban free parking.

Are you talking municipal or everywhere? 'Cause I sure don't want to have to be plugging a meter in my garage...:D