plastic straws

The proposal was revised to take effect in 18 months, rather than two years. Last legislative session, it was approved by the Senate but not the Assembly.

The bill would ban single-use carryout bags in two years. Its sponsor says it will be a top priority in the new session with a first hearing on Jan. 30.

Plastic straws would survive, though only available by request. Supermarkets would be required for to give out reusable bags for free for two months.

Nearly two-thirds of New Jerseyans back a ban on plastic bags, though support drops when asked about the details. A slim majority would ban plastic straws.

We should tell the waitress we don't want straws and that way she won't even put them on the table. She said more and more customers have been doing that and she's happy with this new movement to be a little kinder to the earth and marine life.

In an effort to be environmentally friendly, the Borough of Monmouth Beach passes an ordinance to limit the use of single use plastic bags, polystyrene foam containers and plastic straws by businesses.