plastic bags

Revised legislation gives food banks until November to stop using plastic and paper bags and provides them 500,000 free reusable bags.

Paper? Plastic? Doesn't matter, because a bill passed by the State Senate would ban them both.

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.

Lots of towns have banned plastic bags, but paper ones could be next.

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.

Paper or plastic - they could all be gone.

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.

Could we be seeing the last of plastic bags in NJ?