Beginning Wednesday, May 4, the use of both plastic and paper single-use bags, as well as disposable food containers and cups made of polystyrene foam, will be banned in New Jersey. The “Bag Up NJ” campaign is the New Jersey Clean Communities Council’s new single use plastic and paper bag ban outreach campaign, which has a simple message: Bring your own reusable bag(s) when you shop.
This campaign educates and reminds consumers about their options for sustainability at the checkout counter. Consumers can bring their own reusable bags when they shop and recycle their plastic bags.
On November 4, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature enacted the most progressive bag ban law in the country. The law prevents litter and encourages the use of reusable bags by phasing out single-use plastic and paper bags.
The law bans plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and retail outlets, as well as paper bags at grocery stores measuring more than 2,500 square feet. It also bans polystyrene foam food service products and makes plastic straws at restaurants available only upon request.
While we often hear about the environmental impact of disposable plastic bags, it is important to remember that disposable paper bags have a significant impact on the environment too. Papermaking requires large inputs of water, energy, chemicals, and wood, and produces various wastes and emissions that must be controlled or treated. Additionally, paper bags require ten times the amount of trucks to deliver the same quantity of bags, resulting in increased truck traffic and diesel emissions.
The statewide ban on disposable bags will create an effective and uniform sustainable policy for all shoppers and business owners in NJ. For more information, visit business.nj.gov/bags/plastic-ban-law.
What can you do to support the “Bag Up New Jersey” effort?support Bag Up NJ?
- As a consumer, there are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
- When shopping, bring your reusable shopping bags to help fight waste.
- Recycle your disposable bags by bringing them to your local retailer.
- When it comes to reusable bags, you have options. There are many different sizes, types, materials and designs, choose the ones that work best for you.
**The 14th Annual 5K Run/Walk 4 Family & Friends with Cancer will be on Sunday, April 24 at Voorhees Middle School beginning at 8am. The event benefits The Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania and the Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients Program. I have been honored to be part of this event every year since its inception and invite you to join me this year for a wonderful cause. For more information, visit walk4ff.org.
** The Voorhees Township Economic Development Committee (EDC) is hosting its free Annual Small Business Forum on Tuesday, May 3 from 6:30pm-8pm in the Township Courtroom. Light refreshments will be served. The featured guest speaker is Bill Green, new owner of the historic Stafford Farm and author of several books. Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Southern NJ, the Rutgers Camden Small Business Development Center and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will be participating. For more information, call the Office of Economic Development (856)882-5211 or visit voorheesnj.com.
**The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is holding a shredding event on May 7 from 9am to noon at Tab Shredding, 341 Cooper Road, West Berlin. The cost is $30 for up to 3 bags/boxes plus $10 for each additional bag/box up to 10. Cash or check only. All proceeds will go to charity.
** The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation is excited to return to ‘in-person’ events! In celebration of 20 years of caring, ARVF has a great line up for this celebratory year, beginning with:
- April 28, 2022 – Wine, Food & Craft Beer Tasting
- June 20, 2022 – 2nd Annual ARVF Golf Outing
- October 21, 2022 – 20th Anniversary Emerald Ball
For more information, visit victoriousfoundation.org.
** The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey will celebrate Maestro Matthew Oberstein’s final concert on Sunday, May 1 at 3pm at the Eastern Regional High School Center for the Performing Arts. A Gala Celebration will follow from 6pm-10pm at the Mansion in Voorhees. For more information, visit PSNJ.ORG.
