Ban on Chewing Gum Proposed in New Jersey
It seems the political landscape in New Jersey is getting a bit sticky.
Two lawmakers from the state are pushing for a ban on certain types of gum, sparking outrage among critics who have labeled the move as “totally ridiculous.” Many are voicing their frustrations, claiming that “NJ government is losing their minds.”
The Protecting Against Microplastics Act was introduced in September by Democratic Assemblywomen Shama Haider and Margi Donlon. The intention is to prohibit products containing intentionally added microplastics, which include not just chewing gum but also tea bags, plastic utensils, containers, cleaning products, and cosmetics.
Under this proposal, companies would need to label products containing “intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles” for a two-year period. After that, any items that do not comply would be banned in New Jersey.
The act states, “Beginning three years after the effective date of this act, no person shall sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in the State any cleaning, cosmetic, or potentially ingestible products, if those products contain intentionally added microplastics.”
Implementing this plan won’t come cheap.
The proposal sets aside $2.5 million for the Department of Environmental Protection to manage a source reduction program, conduct research related to microplastics, and monitor the presence of microplastics in various environmental media, including air, water, and soil.
An additional $500,000 would be allocated to the Department of Law and Public Safety to help with enforcing the labeling and ban.
The news has been met with a wave of discontent on social media. An educator running a page called Teacher in NJ shared the development on Instagram and Facebook, where she was inundated with comments criticizing the initiative.
Many are outraged given the recent “Skip the Stuff” law, which prohibits restaurants from automatically providing plastic utensils and condiment packets.
Comments like, “Can they please spend time on stuff that will actually make a difference?” expressing frustration about prioritizing a gum ban over more pressing issues, emerged among the remarks. One person suggested focusing on the healthcare system or lowering taxes instead of targeting chewing gum.
Some commenters even questioned why other harmful products weren’t being addressed, with suggestions such as, “How about banning processed food or genetically modified stuff?”
Criticism wasn’t just directed at the proposal. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also faced backlash with comments questioning her priorities, like, “This is what Sherrill worries about? She has no concern for taxpayers!”
Others remarked on the broader implications of such legislative moves, with one saying, “Keep voting for liberals! One day they’re going to take away something you enjoy!” and another noting, “Democrats want to control everything except real crime or taxes.”
The discussion clearly highlights a division on how lawmakers are prioritizing issues in New Jersey. Some constituents just want to be left alone to enjoy their gum.
