Jersey City- In partnership with ReThink Disposable, environmental non-profit Greener JC is launching a Straws by Request campaign next month called No Straw November. The month-long event is part of a larger Plastic Free Initiative, Plastic Free JC, and the national No Straw November pledge. Participating in this challenge offers the opportunity for community members to increase their awareness of single-use plastic waste while becoming more environmentally engaged.
“Jersey City businesses are encouraged to take part in the 30-day challenge by offering straws only upon customer request, and customers are encouraged to go straw-free or bring their own reusable straws. Greener JC believes the City is up for the challenge!” says Greener JC Chair Erin Hill.
“The U.S. consumes 500 million straws a day. That’s enough straws to circle the planet more than two and a half times. Each year, this generates 342 million pounds of waste entering our landfills, incinerators, and waterways. Let’s take action to reduce our waste and protect our environment!“ states Maura Toomey of ReThink Disposable.
Local businesses can pledge to provide Straws by Request during November and hopefully carry on this practice throughout the year. Participating businesses will be provided with informational signage to promote the campaign and will be publicized by Greener JC through social media. Importantly, by participating in the campaign, businesses will not only reduce plastic waste, but their operating costs as well. Interested businesses should contact GreenerJC.org to get involved.
For more information, visit: www.greenerjc.org or email: greenerjc@gmail.com
About Greener JC
Greener JC is an environmental action organization committed to supporting a more sustainable future in Jersey City. The organization’s actions include but are not limited to, promoting waste and energy reduction through community outreach and educational actions, supporting sustainable development efforts, and facilitate partnerships to help the community be resilient in the face of global climate change.
About ReThink Disposable
ReThink Disposable is a program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund. ReThink Disposable, a program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, prevents waste before it starts by working with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers to minimize single use disposable packaging in food service to conserve resources, prevent waste and ocean litter pollution.
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Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking and people power to the table. We will protect clean water in the face of attacks from a polluter friendly Administration. www.cleanwater.org/nj. www.cleanwater.org/nj