Christine Figgener, a marine biologist, filmed a video in August 2015 showing her team removing a plastic tube from the nostrils of a live turtle in Costa Rica.
The graphic and heartbreaking videoIt went viral eventually (currently has 108million views on YouTube) which helped propel the anti-plastics straw movement. To date, many large companies, including American Airlines, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Starbucks, have eliminated plastic straws.
Ever since, the video has provided fuel for the anti-single-use-plastic movement, Figgener wrote on her Website.
April 22 is Earth DayAn annual global event that supports environmental protection.
New Jersey’s plastic bag ban went into effect on May 4th. This year, Earth Day could have a greater meaning in the state. All retail, grocery and food service establishments are forbidden from using single-use plastic bags and polystyrene foam foodservice items.
In November 2020, the states’ plastic bag ban legislation was passed. It was intended to eliminate single-use plastic bags and paper bags and encourage reusable bags.
It also bans paper bags in larger grocery stores and big-box stores like Costco, Target and Walmart if they have large grocery sections that exceed 2,500 square feet.
Since early November in New JerseyFood service businesses are only allowed to provide plastic straws on request from customers. This restriction was part the wider state law.
Ocean Conservancy, a marine environmental advocacy organization, estimates that more than 11,000,000 metric tons of plastics are entering the ocean each year. If we don’t act now, there could be a pound for every three fish in the ocean within the next ten years.
Plastic has been found in 59% (including albatross, pelicans, as well as 100%) of sea turtle species. More than 25% have plastics in their fish from sea markets all over the world.
We can reduce our dependence upon fossil fuels to create plastic, eliminate a source of litter, and protect wild and sea life from the harm of ingesting plastic products. Shawn M. LaTourette, NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, said in a press statement.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature – IUCN More than 300 million people live in statesPlastic is used in a variety of applications every year. Plastic makes up 80% marine debris, from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. It is possible for marine species to ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, which can cause serious injuries and even death.
More:Why are plastic bags so harmful to New Jersey’s environment, that we need to ban them?
Plastic is broken down into tiny particles called microplastics. They can be found in tapwater, beer, salt, and all samples from the oceans.
Educating businesses, residents, customers
Bob Bergbauer, the chair of Haddonfield Environmental Commission knows these figures about plastics well. His group has partnered to The Partnership of Haddonfield for information about the plastic bag ban. It will also host several Earth Day events.
Bergbauer explained that although the bill was signed in November 2020, many other things have occurred since then, including COVID, so we don’t expect that this will be top-of-mind.
We began by reaching out to Haddon Avenue and Kings Highway businesses to inform them about the law and to offer information resources on alternatives to products they are unable to distribute or use in their businesses.
More:When the NJ plastic bag and paper bag ban takes effect, it will impact how supermarket shoppers shop.
The Earth Day bag giveaway is on April 22nd from noon to 5pm in Haddonfields Kings Court. With the support of sponsors, Haddonfield Environmental Commission, and The Partnership of Haddonfield will give away 500 reusable bags as part of a campaign raising awareness about the plastic bag ban.
Bergbauer said that they will host a second event at Kings Court on April 23rd from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This will be a larger Earth Day celebration that will feature information on other environmental issues besides plastic.
Bergbauer said that we often get a lot of foot traffic so it’s a great opportunity for us to interact and make sure we were promoting awareness and doing our best to educate the public about burning and current environmental issues. The plastic ban is a major issue. Many states have plastic bans in place or are in the process. New Jersey’s plastic ban is probably the most comprehensive.
Here are 12 ways you can help the earth as Earth Day nears.
1. Drink out of a reusable cup or jug. Recently, I was gifted a HidrateSparkWater bottle It glows to remind you of the importance of drinking. It informed me that I had saved enough plastic bottles to last me a week. I’m now drinking more water. It gives virtual medals and praises for achieving goals. You can also add your friends to the app and compete with them for daily tasks. (As always talk to your doctor about the best water intake for you.
More:These tourist spots in South Jersey will be pleased to receive new electric vehicle charging stations
2.Keep reusable bags in your car. You will have your bags with you every time you go to the store and you won’t need to buy any.
3.Check out the app Too Good to MissIt is a B-Corp and tech-for-good certified company that connects consumers to extra food from local restaurants, cafes and bakeries. It has more than 100,000 partners around the world and recently celebrated saving 100,000,000 meals in 17 different countries since it was founded in 2016. Too Good To Go is based in South Jersey and Philly and notes that one-third of all food waste is caused by improper cooking.
4. Given the high gas prices, how about walking or riding your bike to get around? It will save you money, reduce pollution, and be better for your overall health. Perhaps it’s time for an electric car.
5.Dont litter. Do not throw your trash out on the streets, beaches, or in the woods. First, someone will pick up your trash, but it can also end up in a sewer system or the ocean.
Volunteer to clean up the beach or help with neighborhood cleanups. There are many opportunities to volunteer, especially around Earth Day. But there are also opportunities all year. If you don’t know one, you might be able to start one with your Scout troop, church, sorority or fraternity.
7.Take part in your community’s recycling programs. Don’t toss recyclables into the trash. If your local recycling program doesn’t exist, you can collect your plastics and take them into a local recycling center.
8.Carpooling, properly inflating your tires, and using energy-efficient lamps, lightbulbs, or other appliances can help conserve energy.
9.Compost leaves and yard waste.
10.According to kids.nationalgeographic.com, experts estimateAmericans use approximately 500 million plastic straws each day. They are among the top 10 most trash items during ocean cleanups. Make your own, buy a paper version, or use a reusable metal straw.
Learn by reading, watching documentaries, and other programs. Share information with others. Join the Green Team, or an environmental commission in your community, or start one.
12.Balloons are gone. While balloons are beautiful and are often used to celebrate birthdays, anniversary, and other special occasions, they can cause damage to the environment and end up in the sea. They can also be mistakenly believed to be food by animals.
South Jersey Earth Day, and other environmental events
April 22
Dogtooth Earth Day Beach CleanupDogtooth Bar & Grill Wildwood will host a beach clean-up. Participants can meet at Mile Beach, behind the Wildwood Beach Ball sign, at 9 a.m. for their bag and gloves. To receive your $10 gift certificate to Dogtooth Bar & Grill, return your bags to the tent and meet back at the tent for lunch. Register for free. Go: Dogtooth Bar & Grill, 100 East Taylor Lane, Wildwood;eventbrite.com/e/dogtooth-earth-day-beach-clean-up-tickets
Earth Day bag giveaway event: Earth Day, Noon to 5 P.M. There will be lots of information on the state’s plastic bag ban. A larger Earth Day celebration will take place at the same spot from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Information will also be provided about environmental issues. Go: Kings Court in Haddonfielddowntownhaddonfield.com/events/earth-day-bag-giveaway/
Galloway Green Market celebrates Earth DayVillage Greene, from 4-7 p.m. A native plant sale will also be held by local growers. Go615 E Moss Mill Road UNIT 96 Smithville
April 23
Atco Earth Day CelebrationFrom noon to 4 pm, food trucks, craftspeople, vendors, and prizes will be available. Waterford Township Environmental Committee will give away tree seedlings. The proceeds will go to the Waterford Township War Memorial Committee Fund. Go: American Legion Post 311 2225 Atco Avenue, Atco facebook.com/wtwmc/
Celebrate Trails Day: Meet up at The Rails-to–Trails Conservancy on Merchantville’s Bike Path. Learn about bike safety and sustainability tips, and enjoy movement/exercise at Movement 4 Wellness. Eclipse Brewing will host a special presentation.Go: Merchantville Bike Path, Chestnut Avenue, Merchantville, noon;camdencounty.com/event/celebrate-trails-day/
Deptford Earth Day cleanupVolunteer opportunity with a T-shirt, snacks and refreshments. Also, giveaways. You will be provided with gloves, safety vests and other supplies. The time is from 8-11 a.m. Go: Deptford Municipal Building, 1011 Cooper St., Deptford; jerseysbest.com/event/deptford-earth-day-cleanup/
Cape May County Earth Day celebrationThe Cape May County Zoo and Park will host hands-on educational exhibits, entertainment for children, and an environmental eco-shop. There will also be a scavenger hunt. The entertainment will be featured at the bandstand. The field is surrounded by vendors, wares, food courts, and crafters. The event is free. Go: 707 Route 9 North Cape May Court House
Scotland Run ParkExhibitors, environmental sustainability ideas, and Dr. Dan Duran, a Rowan naturalist and Rowan professor will be present. He will talk about how to restore the natural world beginning in your own backyard. Go980 E.Academy St. Clayton, noon-4 p.m.jerseyfamilyfun.com/event/earth-day-event
April 24,
Atlantic County Utilities Authority Earth Day Festival: There will plenty of educational activities and entertainment. Therain or Shine event will host more than 150 vendors, craftspeople, and exhibitors. It runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Go: ACUA Environmental Park, 6700 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Township.
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