Are people in Taiwan aware of the fact that plastics are considered non-biodegradable products and are thus harmful to the environment and to their country in the end? Is that being taught to students and are their parents aware of this fact as well?
Whenever I pass by Chinese eateries, I cringe at the sight of disposable utensils being used - from bowls to spoons and cups. I hardly find places to eat where they use “washable/reusable” dinner wares. One time, I dined-in in one of those places, and I thought I’m gonna use a “real” plate. But to my surprise, the food stall covered the plate with transparent plastic so they don’t have to wash it afterwards.
The same for “pien tang” or packed lunches being sold in offices. Most of them are packed in disposable (non-biodegradable) plastic containers.
Convenience stores are no less guilty of this behavior. Some clerks don’t bother to ask whether you need a plastic or not. It’s a pity that most local consumers I have observed would always demand a plastic bag for every merchandise they buy, even if the item was small enough for them to carry.
I’d be happy though if they’d reuse those plastic bags. But I noticed that once they get to their homes (and I hope my Chinese friends are listening! 
), they wantonly throw these bags to the garbage bin.
I could just imagine the enormous amount of plastic garbage being used in this country everyday. Are these plastic bags being incinerated? If so, then we (as residents livng here) are not spared from this health hazard. Oh well, I’m pretty sure I’d hear comments that “if you can’t withstand this practice, then might as well pack your bags and leave this country.” 