China: Running out of Chopsticks

Wow, this is amazing. An article in the New York Times [not published online, so I've linked to PekingDuck] suggests that the environmental impact of China's huge population are being felt. The author quotes a Chinese columnist who says China cannot support all the disposable chopsticks that are used, and so should switch to metal chopsticks or "we can use our hands".

I wonder if this points to larger problems within the Chinese economy that are being covered up or are unknown. The article points out that even if the economy is ok, the environment may still be a limiting factor:

"Mr. Zou's column underscores that while year after year of 9 percent growth may be economically sustainable for China, it is reaching its environmental limits."