Advocate: Tackling Plastic Waste to Protect Our Bay and Beyond
Save Barnegat Bay is proud to work alongside environmental groups across New Jersey and beyond to combat plastic waste, a major threat to our environment and wildlife. Together, weâre making significant strides, with the âBag Up NJâ initiative standing as a recent victory. This statewide ban eliminated the sale of single-use plastic bags, foam takeout containers, and restricted single-use plastic straws to a request-only basis.
The Results Speak for Themselves:
Data from Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps reveal that between 2021 and 2022, there were significant reductions in plastics found on NJ beaches:
- A 39% decrease in disposable straws
- A 37% decrease in plastic bags
- A 37% decrease in foam particles
These numbers reflect the power of collective advocacy and the tangible impact of legislative action. But our work is far from over. Below are some exciting initiatives weâre advancing to further reduce plastic waste.
Skip the Stuff: Cutting Down on Single-Use Extras
The Problem: Every year, the U.S. disposes of 40 billion single-use utensilsâmost of which go unused, clogging junk drawers or polluting our environment.
The Solution: The Skip the Stuff initiative, launched by Clean Water Action, aims to help towns pass ordinances requiring businesses to distribute items like utensils, napkins, and condiments only upon request. This small change not only reduces waste but also saves businesses money by limiting unnecessary giveaways.
How You Can Help:
- Support State Bill S3195: Call, write, or email your state representative to show your support! Take Action Here.
- Pass a Local Ordinance: Encourage your municipal officials to adopt a Skip the Stuff ordinance. Learn more and find resources on Clean Water Action’s website.
The Bottle Bill: Incentivizing Proper Recycling
The Problem: Millions of beverage containers, though recyclable, end up in landfills due to lack of infrastructure and incentives.
The Solution: A Bottle Billâofficially the âBeverage Container Deposit Actâ introduced by Sen. Mukherjiâcould change the game in New Jersey. By creating a deposit-refund system, consumers are incentivized to return bottles and cans for proper recycling, while manufacturers share the responsibility for managing waste.
How You Can Help:
- Track the progress of Bill S3147 here.
- Contact your state representative to voice your support. Take Action Here.
EPR: Extended Producer Responsibility
The Problem: Many packaging materials are made with harmful chemicals and contribute to plastic pollution.
The Solution: A strong EPR bill would hold manufacturers accountable for their packagingâs environmental impact. This legislation aims to:
- Reduce plastic packaging by at least 50%.
- Eliminate toxic materials from packaging.
For more information, visit Beyond Plastics.
Construction Dust: Reducing Microplastic Pollution
The Problem: Construction sites unintentionally release contaminants such as microplastics, sawdust, and sheetrock particles into the environment, harming air and waterways.
The Solution: Collaborating with local groups, weâre helping towns pass ordinances to limit these pollutants. Find more information and a model ordinance at NJ Construction Dust.
Get Involved
Hereâs how you can join the fight against plastic waste:
- Advocate: Support local and statewide initiatives like Skip the Stuff, the Bottle Bill, and EPR legislation.
- Stay Updated: Follow ongoing initiatives and advocacy efforts on our website.
- Be a Leader: Join our Community Captains Program to spearhead environmental efforts in your town. Learn More Here.
- Contact Us: Have questions or ideas? Email Brittany, our Community Engagement Coordinator, at assistant@savebarnegatbay.org.
Together, we can reduce plastic waste, protect wildlife, and create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
