These custom grocery bags are one Jersey guy’s bag ban protest

In the Garden State, opinions are divided over New Jersey's plastic bag ban, with many residents considering it nothing short of ridiculous. And I’m one of them.

The ban has ushered in the era of reusable bags, a change that isn't without its share of criticism. People are now required to tote around these annoying reusable alternatives, which come with their own set of drawbacks.

Firstly, there's the hygiene concern. Reusable bags, often made from fabric, can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned regularly.

This added chore of maintenance is an inconvenience to many. Also, these bags can be cumbersome, taking up valuable space in handbags or vehicles. And, remembering to carry them into the store is an extra mental note that many people would rather do without.

Don’t we have enough stuff cramming our brains in this state?

Not to mention the fact that despite the ban, many reusable bags still find their way into landfills, raising more questions about the sensibility of the ban and its efficacy in reducing plastic waste.

However, one New Jersey resident found his own unique way to protest. In true Jersey fashion, he printed bags emblazoned with the cheeky slogan, "Phil Murphy Sucks."

Photo courtesy Steve Wolk

Look, this isn’t gonna solve any problems. And it’s not going to alleviate the inconvenience of these dumb bags. But I can see how this can give him a little bit of satisfaction, not unlike anti-Murphy slogans on masks when people were forced to wear them during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s like a little personal mini-protest.

It’s contentious. And it always will be. So the plastic bag ban will always have New Jerseyans struggling to find their own creative ways to voice their opinions.

Whether you're for or against this silly business of the plastic bag ban, there's no denying that New Jersey folks know how to make their voices heard in a way that's as unique as NJ itself.

And this voice was so obviously that of a “Jersey Guy.”

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Windfarm projects proposed for NJ coast — and what they might look like

These are the wind energy projects approved for and planned for the ocean off the coasts of New Jersey and New York. While the projects have the support of officials who say they will stimulate the local economy and create renewable energy to power millions of homes, many coastal residents have raised concerns about how the projects will impact tourism and the environment.

The gallery includes competing photosimulations — those on file with the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and those recently commissioned by a group opposed to the wind farm development.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

You can now listen to Dennis & Judi — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite best friends anytime, anywhere and any day of the week. Download the Dennis & Judi show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.

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Source: These custom grocery bags are one New Jersey guy’s bag ban protest