31. What environmental issue did Taiwan face before the plastic bag policy?
(A) Plastic bags caused serious pollution.
(B) Shoppers lacked reusable bags.
(C) Renewable energy was too expensive.
(D) Shops refused to sell plastic products.

近幾十年來，臺灣在環境保護方面採取了許多重要措施，其中最顯著的努力之一就是對塑膠袋使用的管制。過去，幾乎所有商店都免費提供塑膠袋，因此大量塑膠袋最終被丟棄於掩埋場、河川，甚至漂流至海洋之中。由於塑膠分解速度極為緩慢，這些廢棄塑膠袋對海洋生物、鳥類，甚至人類健康都造成了長期威脅。

為了解決日益嚴重的問題，政府於 2002 年開始實施塑膠袋有償使用政策，向消費者收取塑膠袋費用。起初，許多民眾對此政策有所抗拒，認為帶來不便。然而，隨著時間推移，人們逐漸適應了這項措施。如今，顧客自備環保購物袋已成為常見景象。調查顯示，自政策推行以來，臺灣塑膠袋的使用量已減少超過一半，顯示此項管制措施確實發揮了顯著成效。

除了減少塑膠廢棄物外，臺灣也積極擴大再生能源的使用。西部沿海地區的風力發電機以及屋頂上的太陽能板愈來愈普遍。政府更訂下具挑戰性的目標：在 2025 年前，讓全國 20% 的電力來自再生能源。這些措施展現了更廣泛的願景——不僅是保護環境，也希望促使人們反思自身的日常生活習慣。即使是節約用電或隨身攜帶環保杯等簡單行動，只要大家共同實踐，也能為地球的未來帶來深遠且有意義的影響。

  In recent decades, Taiwan has taken notable steps toward protecting the environment, and one of the most visible efforts is the regulation on plastic bag usage. In the past, plastic bags were offered at no cost in nearly every shop. As a consequence, enormous numbers of bags ended up in landfills, rivers, or even drifting in the ocean. Because plastic is extremely slow to decompose, these discarded bags posed long-term threats to marine life, birds, and even human health.
        To tackle this growing problem, the government began charging shoppers for plastic bags in 2002. At first, many citizens resisted the idea, feeling it was inconvenient. However, over time, people gradually adapted. Nowadays, it is common to see customers carrying reusable shopping bags. Surveys indicate that plastic bag depletion in Taiwan has dropped by more than half since the policy was launched, demonstrating the effectiveness of such a regulation.
        In addition to reducing plastic waste, Taiwan is actively expanding its use of renewable energy. Wind turbines along the western coast and solar panels on rooftops have become increasingly widespread. The government has set an ambitious target: by 2025, 20% of the nation’s electricity should come from renewable sources. These initiatives reflect a broader vision—not only protecting the environment but also inspiring individuals to reflect on their daily habits. Even simple actions, such as conserving electricity or carrying a reusable cup, can collectively create a meaningful influence on the planet’s future.