As the single-use plastic and paper bag bans began at New Jersey grocery stores, plenty of things went right and wrong.
while others said they were frustrated by the new rules. It’s clear the law will take some getting used to, so here are some takeaways from the first week that may help you adjust.The customers that NJ Advance Media spoke to at half a dozen stores throughout the Garden State on Wednesday said reusable bags should be made available for free. Giveaways have been held by the non-profit NJ Clean Communities Council but stores are not required to hand them out free-of-charge.
“This is good but it’s bad. It’s good they’re trying to save the planet but what are we supposed to do? It’s inconvenient. I already have to remember to bring the baby bag and other things for them. Now I have to remember to bring these.”The Wegmans parking lot in Cherry Hill made for a steady stream of shoppers with reusable bags in hand.
MOM's Organic Market in Paramus no longer provided single-use plastic carryout bags or paper bags for their customers due to the bag ban in New Jersey. Wednesday, May 4, 2022.Shoppers seemed to adapt in the absence of plastic and paper bags at the cash register. For example, customers visiting the the Bergen Town Center in Paramus were observed using shopping bags they received from other retailers in the mall to hold goods purchased from bagless stores like Whole Foods Market and Target.
Mardel Zuniga, 35, of Maple Shade, went grocery shopping with her 8-month-old and 2-year-old in cart. She was not aware the reusable bags stores had at the registers came with an extra fee. She hopes stores consider hosting more giveaways but prefers single-use plastic bags being available in the meantime, she said.