In an announcement earlier today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, a Democratic candidate for Governor, committed to bring back paper bags as an option at New Jersey grocery stores. A commonsense Democrat, Gottheimer is focused on lowering costs for families and protecting the environment, which is exactly what his proposal does.
Recyclable paper bags cost a nominal 10-12 cents, and grocery stores would have to charge customers for them. They biodegrade in 2-6 weeks. Reusable bags, on the other hand, are very expensive, costing between $1.50-$5.00, and they can take decades or up to 500 years to biodegrade. They are energy-intensive to produce, often made from petroleum products, and typically manufactured abroad where there is less clean energy than the United States.
Families across Jersey have accumulated dozens, even hundreds, of reusable bags, tacking on up to $500 in annual costs for families.
It makes no sense that families don’t have options at grocery stores. Under Gottheimer’s plan, now they will — except for plastic bags, which will continue to be banned from grocery stores. Bringing recyclable paper bags back will help solve this problem.
Gottheimer says he will work with the legislature to bring paper bags back as an option — lowering costs for families across Jersey.
“Jersey families pay too much at the grocery store—from the food we buy to the bags we put it in,” said Gottheimer. “Recyclable paper bags are better for the environment than reusable bags and are cheaper for families. I’m running to lower taxes and lower costs for Jersey families, which is why I’m going to bring back paper bags as an option at the checkout lane. It’s time to bring common sense back to Jersey. It makes no sense not to have a cheaper alternative that can be recycled easily.”
In 2022, New Jersey banned single-use plastic and paper bags from stores.
Gottheimer has repeatedly earned an “A” from the League of Conservation Voters for his work to protect the environment in Congress, including a 97 percent just a few weeks ago. He is running as the “Lower Taxes, Lower Costs” Governor who will get things done, govern with common sense, and make Jersey more affordable.
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New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer recently proposed the reintroduction of paper bags in the state as a way to combat the environmental impact of single-use plastic bags. This move comes as part of a larger effort to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability in New Jersey.
Single-use plastic bags have long been a source of concern for environmentalists, as they are not biodegradable and often end up in landfills or polluting waterways. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans use over 100 billion plastic bags each year, with only a small percentage being recycled.
By reintroducing paper bags as an alternative to plastic, Gottheimer hopes to encourage consumers to make more eco-friendly choices when it comes to their shopping habits. Paper bags are biodegradable and can be easily recycled, making them a more sustainable option for carrying groceries and other items.
In addition to promoting the use of paper bags, Gottheimer’s proposal also includes measures to incentivize retailers to offer reusable bags and to educate consumers about the importance of reducing plastic waste. These efforts are part of a larger push to create a more environmentally conscious society in New Jersey and beyond.
While some may argue that paper bags are not as durable or convenient as plastic bags, the environmental benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks. By making the switch to paper bags, consumers can help reduce their carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations.
Overall, Gottheimer’s proposal to reintroduce paper bags in New Jersey is a positive step towards promoting sustainability and reducing plastic waste. With the support of lawmakers, retailers, and consumers alike, we can work towards creating a cleaner, greener future for our state and our planet.
