Authorities in Samoa say plastic bags will be banned from April next year.
The assistant chief executive of the environment ministry, Faumuina Pati, says people will have to start shopping using woven laufala baskets or other means.
The environment minister Aliimalemanu Sofara Aveau says Samoa must take this step to protect the environment for the future generations.
From April 2007 all plastic containers, such as ice cream cartons, will also be prohibited.
Then in 2008 the ministry also plans to ban plastic baby nappies.
Faumuina says the move will be very tough on businesses and the ministry is working closely with the business community to work out ways to address their concerns.
He says public attitudes also have to change.
