NJ’s Path to Sustainability

As of November 4, 2021, New Jersey enacted a ban on plastic straws being handed out in restaurants or any other place where drinks are served. Plastic straws cannot be given out except for at the request of a customer. This is slightly different from what lawmakers had initially proposed, which was an outright ban on plastic straws. This plan was adapted, however, in order to accommodate individuals with disabilities. One important clarification is that “proof” of a disability is not required when requesting plastic straws. This is only one step of the state’s plan to ban more and more single-use plastic products.
What is the cause of this pandemic that we call plastic? The popular practice of handing out a plastic straw with every drink has made plastic straws incredibly popular, and also one of the most common objects to be picked up during beach cleanings. Plastic straws are also one of the most effective solutions when it comes to the balance between cost and convenience. The mouthfeel of plastic is something we’ve grown accustomed to and the low price of them makes them ideal for business owners. Alternative solutions are not appealing, especially to smaller businesses that cannot afford to supply more eco-friendly solutions like providing reusable or paper straws. Something small business owners also keep in mind is convenience, and the possibility of a paper straw distentagrating in a customer’s iced coffee is not appealing. For larger businesses that are looking to grow, the low cost of plastic straws is ideal. All of these factors combined have led to a restaurant industry that relies on the convenience of plastic straws and contributes to the problem of single-use plastic pollution.
That is how problems started to arise but, what sparked the change that led to the enactment of this law? Nationwide, more awareness has been brought to the issue of plastic pollution, and in November, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill into place that would lead to the lowering of single use plastics because of their harmful effects on the environment. Plastic straws especially are mistaken by marine animals for food, leading to the deaths of those animals. As mentioned earlier, this is only one step for New Jersey in reducing plastics. The next phase of this bill will take place on May 4th, 2022. This will make paper and plastic single use bags, along with disposable to-go containers made of polystyrene foam, illegal. This will be a major change for New Jersey residents.
With all these major changes, what are other options available besides single use plastic items? In place of plastic straws, just drinking from the cup will work just fine. Like many other single-use plastic goods, straws are not necessities for many, just convenient. If a straw is needed, especially in the case of people with medical issues, other options like paper, bamboo, silicone, metal, glass, or even plastic straws that are reusable will greatly reduce the amount of plastic straws that end up on our beaches. As for the other plastic single use items like bags and to-go containers, there are numerous alternatives that are easily accessible to all. Plastic bags can be replaced by any reusable bag, whether that be cotton, reusable plastic, or fabric bags that will last for years to come, allowing people to reduce their plastic use. Single-use to-go containers can easily be replaced by tupperware.
Of course there are some exceptions to these rules, like straws that come with juice boxes, and plastic bags to hold raw meat and other grocery items like fruits and vegetables. Even with these exceptions, the amount of change that will come from this plastic ban will help to greatly lower New Jerseys’ contribution to the plastic problem. It will be an adjustment for many, but with the right materials, the transition can be made easier. It may seem inconvenient, but it will be necessary to ensure the health of the Earth.