Reusable Bag Initiative in New Jersey

Last year a New Jersey state assemblyman introduced legislation to ban plastic bags in New Jersey. That legislative initiative has not made any progress, to my knowledge, and its prospects are uncertain. However, many individuals are taking steps to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic shopping bags. In my hometown, several recent college graduates have formed a nonprofit organization to encourage residents to use reusable bags.

"We may not have the technological savvy to create solar panels, but we are doing what we can,'' said Milo Schwab, who along with three friends founded the nonprofit organization Green Today Inc. with a goal of reducing and eventually eliminating the use of plastic shopping bags.

The group is wrapping up its first initiative, in which the four dropped off reusable shopping bags — along with a piece of explanatory literature — outside homes in Highland Park.

"We will have dropped off at least 3,000 bags by the weekend,'' Schwab said.

The group also plans to build awareness in schools through activities planned for children in second grade through fifth grade.

The four friends are also going to be selling reusable bags for $3 each, and are looking at local farmers markets and environmental groups as possible sale venues.

The Green Today bags are somewhat larger and more stylish than the standard green reusable bags that supermarkets sell. Of course, a "reusable bag" does not have to be one specially made for shopping. It just needs to be something that is sturdy enough for multiple uses and large enough to hold groceries. It could be a backpack, a free tote bag, or even a homemade bag. The key is to reduce the plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions associated with disposable bags.

If you live in Washington, DC, and would like the council to enact a ban, please sign the petition to ban plastic bags in DC.