Statewide Plastic Legislation Hangs in Limbo; Local Ordinances in Full Swing

Plastics have been a hot topic throughout the Garden State and beyond for 2019. As we await the fate of statewide plastic legislation, it remains critical that municipalities continue to pass single-use plastic ordinances. Each ordinance sends a strong message to elected officials at the state level that more must be done to combat the plastic plague. Over 45 municipalities in New Jersey have passed varying ordinances to address items such as single-use plastics bags, straws, utensils, and polystyrene foam food containers.

Sea Bright passes ordinance to limit or ban plastic bags, utensils, straws and balloons, and plan to enhance bill on December 17

These ordinances are just beginning to address the plastic crisis and change consumer behavior, and they are a big step in the right direction to ensure we create a healthier and more sustainable community and lifestyle for now and the generations to come. There is a possibility that the NJ legislature could try and push the statewide bill through before the year ends, joining several other states around the US that have enacted similar types of legislation on single-use plastics. Either way, action must be taken to rid our communities and oceans of harmful single-use plastics and disposable products.