State Lawmakers Remind Perth Amboy Shoppers to Bring Their Own Bags
Published March 23, 2022 at 3:03 PM | TAPinto Woodbridge / Carteret | By JOHN MOONEY
PERTH AMBOY – On March 22, with just 42 more days until the state’s ban on plastic and paper bags goes into effect, the 19th district legislators had just one message for shoppers at a local supermarket: Remember to start bringing your own bags.
Sen. Joe Vitale, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-19th) were at the ShopRite in Convery Plaza Tuesday morning, handing out reusable bags as people pushed their carts by the fresh produce. The lawmakers were participating in the statewide BagUpNJ campaign, coordinated through the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC).
Many of the shoppers already seemed aware that the new state law goes into effect on May 4. The supermarket had signage at the entrance, reminding shoppers, as well as a public service announcement piped through the sound system from the New Jersey Food Council, a BagUpNJ partner.
“Even though the law doesn’t go into effect until May, we are hoping that New Jerseyans can start getting in the habit of bringing their own bags now,” Coughlin said, as he handed out reusable bags and BagUpNJ literature. “Single-use plastic bags have been an ongoing litter problem, and with this law we are better encouraging eco-friendly behavior for the benefit of our environment and community health.”
On Nov. 4, 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature enacted the most progressive bag ban law in the country. The law encourages the use of reusable bags by phasing out single-use plastic and paper bags.
The law bans plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and retail outlets, as well as paper bags at grocery stores measuring more than 2,500 square feet. It also bans polystyrene foam food service products; and makes plastic straws at restaurants available only upon request. The state law supersedes any local ordinances already in place.
Vitale said he was pleased the NJCCC is undertaking this statewide education campaign, which targets overburdened communities in New Jersey where residents may not have easy access to information about the new law.
“It is important for us to get out into the community, explain the law and make sure people are aware that enforcement is coming soon, on May 4,” Vitale said. “The hope is that most shoppers will begin bringing their own bags now. That is why we are here today, handing out bags and providing important reminders.”
Lopez urged shoppers to visit the campaign website, BagUpNJ.com to learn more about the law and to access important information that is available to shoppers and business owners.
“Public awareness and meaningful outreach are integral to the successful implementation of this law,” Lopez said. “I am pleased to see there is a targeted effort to reach residents in communities like Perth Amboy and hope these efforts will expand to target communities across the state. May 4 is not that far away and we need to make every effort to ensure our residents are prepared.”
NJCCC Executive Director Joann Gemenden, who attended the bag giveaway in Perth Amboy, expressed her appreciation to the three lawmakers. “It is important that state leaders lend an important voice to this outreach campaign,” she said. “They know their constituents well and have built lasting community relationships. They are terrific BagUpNJ ambassadors.”
