New Jersey takes another step towards reducing single-use plastic waste, becoming the latest state to restrict disposable cutlery at restaurants. Governor Phil Murphy signed the law, which prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use utensils and condiments unless customers specifically request them.
Under the new regulations, only restaurants with self-serve dispensers or those that provide disposable knives, forks, and spoons upon request will be allowed to distribute these items. Ketchup packets and other single-use condiments are also subject to this restriction, but some eateries can still use disposable paper serving cups for self-service purposes.
The law does not apply to schools, healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, or food courts, which are exempt from the restrictions. The new policy takes effect on August 1, with a two-year delay for implementation in food courts.
This move is part of Murphy's efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability during his final term as governor. Other legislation signed by Murphy includes funding for projects in Democratic-run counties, renovations at the Prudential Center, and a boost to penalties for cyberharassment against public servants.
The law increases the maximum prison term for cyberharassment from 18 months to one to five years and requires additional training for correctional officers on their responsibilities under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. Murphy also signed bills related to creating specialized units within the Department of Corrections, studying the effects of psilocybin, and increasing funding for women's services in prisons.
As Murphy leaves office, his successor Governor Mikie Sherrill takes over, marking a new chapter for New Jersey's environmental policies.
Under the new regulations, only restaurants with self-serve dispensers or those that provide disposable knives, forks, and spoons upon request will be allowed to distribute these items. Ketchup packets and other single-use condiments are also subject to this restriction, but some eateries can still use disposable paper serving cups for self-service purposes.
The law does not apply to schools, healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, or food courts, which are exempt from the restrictions. The new policy takes effect on August 1, with a two-year delay for implementation in food courts.
This move is part of Murphy's efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability during his final term as governor. Other legislation signed by Murphy includes funding for projects in Democratic-run counties, renovations at the Prudential Center, and a boost to penalties for cyberharassment against public servants.
The law increases the maximum prison term for cyberharassment from 18 months to one to five years and requires additional training for correctional officers on their responsibilities under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. Murphy also signed bills related to creating specialized units within the Department of Corrections, studying the effects of psilocybin, and increasing funding for women's services in prisons.
As Murphy leaves office, his successor Governor Mikie Sherrill takes over, marking a new chapter for New Jersey's environmental policies.
, just think about all the single-use plastic we can ditch starting August 1st! 
I'm loving that self-serve dispensers and disposable knives/forks/spoons are now only allowed upon request 
It's gonna be a game-changer for our planet. Plus, it's awesome to see New Jersey taking the lead on reducing plastic waste - hope other states follow suit soon 
, just read that restaurants in New Jersey can't give you plastic cutlery unless you ask for it now... like, what's the point of even going out if I gotta specifically ask for utensils? And don't even get me started on ketchup packets... who thought those were a good idea? 
Anyway, guess this is just another step towards sustainability, but honestly, it feels like we're just delaying the inevitable - all this plastic stuff is still gonna be around... sigh 
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. Restaurants are still gonna try to find ways to give out free stuff, but at least they'll have to ask now 
. I'm all for reducing plastic waste and it's nice to see NJ taking the lead. But what about the economic impact on small businesses? They might struggle with this new law 
.
and yeah, the exemptions for certain places like schools and food courts make sense, but still gotta wonder if there are any unintended consequences down the line...
. I mean, who doesn't want to reduce plastic waste, right? But, at the same time, this law might not be enough to make a huge impact on the overall problem 
. I'm all for innovation and trying new things, but self-serve dispensers can still lead to a lot of unnecessary waste 
. And what about people who don't even know they're supposed to ask for utensils in the first place? it's just so... complicated 
. But hey, better late than never, right? and at least someone's tryin' 
. fingers crossed our new governor is gonna do some real work and make a difference 
.
. I mean, who doesn't want to have to ask for their ketchup and sugar packets like they're some kind of luxury item? It's not like people are gonna suddenly start carrying around a little spoon or something. And what's next? Are they gonna make us pay extra for using straws too? The free market should be able to handle single-use plastics, not some overbearing government trying to dictate how we live our lives.
... dont get me wrong tho, i'm all for sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint 
... wonder how this'll play out in the food courts tho 
️... anyways, good luck to Governor Sherrill with makin' some changes 
. Can't they just focus on making actual changes instead of restricting every little thing? Like, who needs to ask for utensils and condiments when you're eating out? It's not like it's going to make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things. And what's with the exemptions for schools, healthcare facilities, correctional institutions... it just seems like they're trying to create more loopholes 
. Now they gotta ask customers if they want 'em first 
! It's about time tho, right? I mean who doesn't wanna reduce their plastic use 
.
. He's making moves, fam! 
I'm low-key hyped for his successor, Governor Sherrill too 
. She's gonna take the environmental policies to the next level 
. Bring it on, NJ! 
Self-serve dispensers are a great idea too, it's all about being mindful of our consumption and making eco-friendly choices.
I'm all about reducing plastic waste and it's awesome that NJ is leading the way. It's crazy how much impact these small changes can have on the environment, and it's not just about the cutlery thing, it's about the whole mindset shift towards sustainability. Plus, Mikie Sherrill seems like a cool governor, i'm hyped to see what she does for the state 
We gotta take care of our planet, right? This law is a huge step forward and I'm so proud to see Governor Murphy taking action on sustainability. It's not just about cutting down plastic, it's also about reducing unnecessary waste in general. Can't wait to see how this all plays out and what kind of impact it'll have! The fact that schools, healthcare facilities, etc are exempt from the restrictions is a good call too - I mean who needs single-use condiments anyway?