Environmental advocates applaud NJ’s plastic straw ban
It’s been almost five years since Marilyn Schlossback stopped giving customers plastic straws at her restaurant Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park in an effort to help protect the Jersey Shore and keep it clean. Schlossback started offering alternative straws made out of more eco-friendly materials like reed and avocado. Eventually, customers came to expect them.
Environmental advocates are applauding New Jersey’s ban on plastic straws, which went into effect Nov. 4. Plastic straws are now only supposed to be given out if a customer requests them. Any business violating the ban could face fines of up to $5,000. The ban is the first of several measures the state is taking to cut down on plastic pollution. In May, all carryout plastic bags and Styrofoam containers will also be phased out.