epa01230267 Chinese migrant workers sort through industrial and household waste at a recycling centre in Beijing, China, 22 January 2008. In an attempt tp clean up the nation’s air, soil and water China is attempting to improve recycling of household waste as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions and industrial pollution. Environmental degradation has been labeled by government officials a leading obstacle to continued economic growth. China is considering adopting a new environment tax that will force companies to pay in accordance with how much pollution they discharge, reports state media. EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS