A proposed New Jersey crackdown has critics saying the state is chewing over the wrong problem.
Two Garden State lawmakers want to eventually prohibit the sale of certain chewing gum and other products containing intentionally added microplastics. The proposal has sparked fierce backlash online, with opponents calling it “totally ridiculous” and accusing New Jersey officials of “losing their minds.”
Democratic Assemblywomen Shama Haider and Margi Donlon introduced the $3 million Protecting Against Microplastics Act in September. The legislation would target products containing deliberately added microplastics, including some varieties of chewing gum, tea bags, plastic utensils and containers, household cleaners and cosmetics.
Under the measure, manufacturers would have two years to place warning labels on goods containing “intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles.” Once that grace period ends, products that do not comply could no longer be sold in New Jersey.
The bill states that, beginning three years after its effective date, it would be illegal to sell, offer for sale or distribute cleaning products, cosmetics or potentially ingestible items containing intentionally added microplastics anywhere in the state.
The proposed program would also require a significant public investment.
According to the legislation, $2.5 million would go to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to establish the source-reduction program, support microplastics research and test air, water and soil for contamination.
An additional $500,000 would be allocated to the Department of Law and Public Safety to enforce the labeling requirements and any eventual sales ban.
The issue drew widespread attention after Teacher in NJ, a social media account operated by an Ocean County educator and mother, shared the proposal on Instagram and Facebook. Her posts quickly filled with angry reactions.
Many commenters objected to the legislation, particularly after New Jersey enacted its “Skip the Stuff” law in August. That measure prevents restaurants from automatically providing plastic utensils and condiment packets unless customers request them.
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“Can they please spend time on s–t that will actually make a difference,” one commenter wrote.
Another complained, “How about fix our healthcare system, lower taxes, stop the drones, stop the chemtrails and lower groceries instead of making laws and banning stupid stuff!”
Some critics questioned why the proposal did not address other products they considered harmful. Their suggestions included banning processed or genetically modified food, as well as targeting single-use coffee pods.
Others directed their frustration at the Democratic lawmakers who sponsored the bill and at New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
“This is what Sherrill worries about? She has no concern for taxpayers!” one person posted.
Another asked, “How do we ban @govsherrillnj ? Anyone?”
“Keep voting for liberals! One day they’re going to take away something you enjoy!” a commenter warned.
“Democrats want to control everything except real crime or taxes,” another wrote.
“Leave us alone. Get a life, and stay out of ours,” a further critic added.