NJ Wants to Ban the Use of all Bags at the Grocery Store

Many states across the country are banning single-use plastics, like the bags at the supermarket. The restriction began last March for New Yorkers. Last week, Maine nixed Styrofoam. Similar bans would be in place in New Jersey, except what's been floated by the Governor isn't strict enough.

NJ Bill S2776 puts a ban of single-use plastic, Styrofoam, and charges a 10-cent fee for paper bags. All it needs is the Governor's signature for it to pass. But, he wants to go further by banning paper bags as well.

Essentially, they are looking to eliminate all single-use bags with the hopes of getting NJ in the habit of utilizing reusable bags for their shopping.

I think it really is a convenience thing. It's also a part of our routines that we often don't think about. I know I'm not the only one with a hundred yellow grocery store plastic bags in my house. They accumulate fast, and while we often will reuse the plastic bags, they often end up in the garbage or recycling.

While I'm not a fan of Government telling me what to do, this change would help the environment. Full disclosure, I think the ban on paper bags is too far.

Oh, and if this Bill goes through, I think the state should have to provide reusable bags to residents at no cost to us. Think of it as a reward for doing the right thing for the environment.