Could gum be banned in New Jersey? Lawmakers target microplastics
Assemblywoman Haider says she's glad the talk of banning gum got the conversation started on the harmful effects of microplastics in everyday products and wants New Jersey to take the lead and not wait for action on the federal level.
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Two New Jersey Lawmakers are sending a message to manufacturers to clean out the microplastics, or else face a statewide ban on common items like cosmetics and chewing gum.
Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Shama Haider co-authored a bill to put makers of products containing microplastics on notice. The bill cites research showing microplastics are contained in everyday items like chewing gum, but it doesn't call for an outright immediate ban. Instead, if the bill is passed, companies will have two years to print warning labels on their products. By year three, the bill does ask for a ban on any company that still hasn't removed those microplastics.
"Raise awareness. That's how people come around and we build the momentum we need for support for this bill," said Assemblywoman Shama Haider.
"I think it would be great to make people healthier, but I don't think banning chewing gum is going to be a big issue," said Debbie Beckman, owner of Beckman's Deli in Belmar.
Assemblywoman Haider says she's glad the talk of banning gum got the conversation started on the harmful effects of microplastics in everyday products and wants New Jersey to take the lead and not wait for action on the federal level.
