(CNN) Australia has joined a long list of countries taking action against single-use plastic bags with large retailers introducing a charge for reusable ones to encourage shoppers to bring their own.

There have been some signs of resistance: One customer reportedly grabbed a Woolworths employee by the throat after being told there were no plastic bags.

After multiple complaints, the supermarket chain announced it would hand out free reusable bags until July 8 to help smooth the transition.

Dozens of countries have already imposed bans or taxes on single-use plastic bags, including the UK, France, China, and the Netherlands. Kenya has perhaps the harshest law: those who violate the ban face four years in prison or a fine up to $39,000.

Many countries have targeted other products in the battle against plastic.

An estimated eight million tons of plastic enter our oceans and waterways every year. At this rate, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050.