The full ban includes plastic bags and styrofoam.

While we were glued to our TV and digital screens awaiting the results on our democracy yesterday, New Jersey was trucking along to move sustainability forward.

Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill to ban single-use plastic bags and paper bags, along with disposable polystyrene foam food containers and cups in stores and food businesses across New Jersey. The ban will begin in May 2022, according to a press release.

The law also requires single-use straws as request-only beginning in November 2021.

“Plastic and polystyrene items we use for 15 minutes should not end up in our environment and communities for endless generations.”

Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey.

There are a few product exceptions for two years following May 2022. They include:

• Disposable, long-handled polystyrene foam soda spoons when required and used for thick drinks
• Portion cups of two ounces or less, if used for hot foods or foods requiring lids.
•  Meat and fish trays for raw or butchered meat, including poultry, or fish that is sold from a refrigerator or similar retail appliance
• Any food product pre-packaged by the manufacturer with a polystyrene foam food service product
• Any other polystyrene foam food service product as determined necessary by Department of Environmental Protection.

“Gov. Murphy signed the strongest single-use ban on plastics in the country to prioritize our wildlife and our communities over endless plastic waste polluting our waterways,” said Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey. “Plastic and polystyrene items we use for 15 minutes should not end up in our environment and communities for endless generations.”

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher