Bill > AJR77

Introduced Session

This joint resolution designates May of each year as "Bag Up NJ Month." Significant increases in global plastic production and a lack of proper recycling has resulted in negative environmental consequences and adverse health outcomes for fish and marine life. Single-use plastics, which are plastics designed to be used only once and then thrown away, are often disposed of in landfills, are incinerated, or become litter in the State's waterways and oceans. Plastics released in the environment do not biodegrade, but instead break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which accumulate in the natural environment and are eaten by fish and other marine life. Single use plastic waste also creates visual pollution, degrades water quality, and impacts the tourism, fishing, and shipping industries, all of which are major contributors to the New Jersey economy. To address the consequences associated with the use of single-use plastic and prevent further damage from the use of single-use plastic, the State enacted P.L.2020, c.117 (C.13:1E-99.126 et seq.) phasing out single-use plastic and paper bags, among other single-use products, and encouraging the use of reusable bags throughout the State. As a result of this new law, beginning on May 4, 2022, no store or food service business will provide or sell a single-use plastic carryout bag to a customer, and no grocery store will provide or sell a single-use paper carryout bag to a customer. Although banning or limiting the use of single-use plastic and paper carryout bags is a significant step in the State's efforts to reduce reliance on single-use products, education and public awareness is required in order to create widespread change in bag use among New Jersey residents. For this reason, this joint resolution would designate May of each year as "Bag Up NJ Month." Designating May of each year as "Bag Up NJ Month," would allow the public to become more educated concerning the benefits of utilizing reusable bags, what options of reusable bags are available, and the importance of improving the current state of the environment. During this month, appropriate activities and programs, such as educational programs, public and media engagement, and reusable bag distribution programs, may be utilized to bring awareness to this subject and promote change in the use of carryout bags by the State's residents.

Committee Categories

Robert Karabinchak (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document