• 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 choose to bring their own reusable bags when they shop and recycle their plastic bags.
• On Nov. 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 clamshell food containers and other products such as plates, cups, food trays and utensils; 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 health and safety of future generations depend on the choices we make today,” said former state Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex), who sponsored the legislation with Assemblymen James Kennedy (D-Middlesex, Somerset, Union) and John McKeon (D-Essex, Morris).
  • “Single-use plastic products are one of the single greatest threats to our oceans, environment and health.”
• The statewide ban on disposable bags goes into effect on May 4, 2022 and will create an effective and uniform sustainable policy for all shoppers and business owners in NJ.
  • Reducing waste and litter statewide is a good thing; “This smart, uniform statewide law preempts all local ordinances.” said New Jersey Food Council CEO Linda Doherty, who is also president of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council.