Plastic Reduction Initiatives

The State of New Jersey is taking significant steps to address plastic packaging waste, particularly materials commonly used in shipping, such as "bubble wrap, air-filled pockets, and foam peanuts; these items, while useful for protection during transport, often end up in landfills or contribute to environmental pollution."

The proposed bill aims to promote environmental sustainability by requiring all packaging materials used in New Jersey to be recyclable or compostable by 2034. This shift would help reduce plastic waste, minimize landfill overflow, and promote a circular economy by encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials.

Several states, including "California, Colorado, and Oregon, have passed similar laws," according to Beyond Plastics. If enacted, New Jersey's bill would be one of the most comprehensive efforts to reduce plastic packaging waste in the United States.

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