The article in the url below shows how difficult it can be to shape human behavior, particularly when the goal is to limit waste:
"Nicole Kramaritsch of Roxbury, N.J., has 46 bags just sitting in her garage. Brian Otto has 101 of them, so many that he's considering sewing them into blackout curtains for his baby's bedroom. … Lili Mannuzza in Whippany has 74."
The bags have resulted from a strict law that was passed in NJ, which banned the use of paper and plastic bags in state stores and supermarkets:
"[The law] went into effect in May [2022] and prohibits not only plastic bags but paper bags as well. The well-intentioned law seeks to cut down on waste and single-use plastics, but for many people who rely on grocery delivery and curbside pickup services their orders now come in heavy-duty reusable shopping bags — lots and lots of them, week after week."
The law is extensive and, many would argue, is exactly what is needed in an effort to reduce the amount of waste our economy generates:
"While nearly a dozen states nationwide have implemented restrictions on single-use plastic bags, New Jersey is the only one to ban paper bags because of their environmental impact. The law also bans polystyrene foam food containers and cups, and restricts restaurants from handing out plastic straws unless they're requested."
But, the unintended consequences forced delivery companies to deliver using reusable bags, which are then accumulated by those who buy a lot of take-out, as indicated by the photo accompanying the article:
To state the obvious:
"Compared to single-use plastics, the more durable reusable bags are better for the environment only if they are actually reused. According to [research] … a typical reusable bag, manufactured from polypropylene, must be used at least 10 times to account for the additional energy and material required to make it. For cotton totes, that number is much higher."
While such laws may well end up reducing single-use bag usage for customers who go to the store, it clearly has had a very different impact for those who order online:
"'There's clearly a hiccup on this,' said Bob Smith, a New Jersey state senator and co-sponsor of the bill, 'and we're going to solve it.' Mr. Smith said that the legislature would most likely create an exception by amending the rule to allow paper bags for online orders."
Yes, but doesn't that undermine the original intent? And, as more orders move online, the effect of the law will be further reduced. Next idea?
Take care
David
David Chandler
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New Jersey Bag Ban's Unforeseen Consequence: Too Many Bags
By Clare Toeniskoetter
September 2, 2022
The New York Times
Late Edition – Final
A1, A11
