Banning Single Use Plastics in New Jersey

NJ State Assembly Representatives

Bye Bye Plastic Bags

New Jersey is most known for its locations such as the beautiful boardwalks, classic diners, and lush woodlands. But with residents using up to 4.4 billion plastic bags a year and over 5 metric tons of plastic worldwide which seeps into our oceans, there should be no shock that plastic is affecting our waterways and threatening 600 species with the ingestion and entanglement of plastic, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Today, there is more plastic than plankton and by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish. Unlike natural products, plastics never fully deteriorate, they only break down into microscopic pieces. Even though we can not see the plastic it still manages to find its way into our tap water. It is already in 90% of seabirds and 100% of turtles. You have seen the infamous pictures of whales, sharks, and other marine life’s stomachs filled with plastic and have heard the speculations on how there is only a matter of time before humans start to ingest plastic. Unfortunately, this is not an issue in the distant future, this is a current dilemma; 93% of Americans have BPA in their bodies, BPA is a component in plastics which can create altercations such as heart disease. As time passes the effects only become more severe. Stand together to fight plastic, and provoke positive environmental changes in New Jersey.

Being aware of the change that must happen, it is encouraged to take personal action. But this is a systematic problem which makes a state-wide ban crucial for change. With this ban, positive change will become non-negotiable. There are currently many options other than single-use plastics such as metal straws, reusable bottles, etc. But the consumer leans towards what is more convenient. This ban drives the consumer to search for alternatives that will protect New Jersey’s waterways, wildlife, and land, reclaiming our title as the Garden State. By making this ban effective, people will be making the conscious decision to use more eco-friendly alternatives which will prioritize our environment’s well being.

Your actions do not have to stop with signing this petition; you have the power to share this with family, friends, or anyone you know, giving our state a fighting chance in becoming a thriving community. Call our state assembly representatives and inform them that you stand with the statewide ban on single-use plastics, paper bags, and polystyrene foam food service products.


Petition by
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Perth Amboy, New Jersey

To: NJ State Assembly Representatives
From: [Your Name]

We demand that the State Plastics Bill (S864) be passed by the Assembly and that A1978 be updated to match this Senate Bill. With your support, it can move forward in the process to become effective. The bill with the number “S864 Sca Sca (2R), prohibits provision or sale of single-use plastic carryout bags, and polystyrene foam foodservice products; limits the provision of single-use plastic straws; and appropriates money from Clean Communities Program Fund for public education.” The State Plastic Bill is essential to benefit New Jersey’s surroundings and citizens will soon perceive the impact this bill will have on our state.