Single-Use Plastics Bill Stalls in NJ Legislature

Last year, New Jersey failed to pass statewide plastic reduction legislation. NJ’s legislation would: 1. Ban all single-use plastic film bags; 2. Ban single-use paper bags (only at grocery stores); 3. Ban all Polystyrene foam food service products; and 4) Allow plastic straws by request. A Senate Committee passed the bill and is planning an important floor vote.

In the meantime, you can help support the state bill by making sure your town has passed an ordinance. There are 57 municipalities that have adopted plastic reduction ordinances. Ordinances are the first step to reducing the plastic pollution that plagues our state and waterways and causes harm and death to wildlife. Here’s how you can advocate for such ordinances:

1.    Check the list on COA’s website to see if your municipality has passed a plastic reduction ordinance.  If yes, hooray and help others!  If no, read on!

2.    Bring COA's model ordinances (visit CleanOceanAction.org) for banning single-use plastic straws, bags, and polystyrene (Styrofoam) foam food containers to your next town council meeting and urge them to adopt it.

3.    Let COA know your success and continue to advocate for a plastic-free ocean.