Asbury Park Joins Global Initiative to Reduce Plastic Waste

ASBURY PARK, NJ - The City of Asbury Park and the Asbury Park Green Team are proud to support Plastic-Free July , a worldwide initiative aimed at reducing plastic consumption and raising awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics.

The city has taken significant steps to support the reduction of plastic use in the community. Before the State of New Jersey implemented its plastic bag ban, the Asbury Park City Council passed a local ordinance banning plastic bags and has since extended this ban to include heavy-duty reusable plastic bags. The City’s Green Team has hosted multiple reusable bag giveaways, while Public Works has distributed reusable water bottles. Along Asbury Park’s Boardwalk, water dispensers have been installed to make refilling reusable bottles convenient for everyone.

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In addition to supporting New Jersey’s ban on polystyrene foam takeout containers, local businesses along the Boardwalk have furthered the state’s requirement of offering plastic straws only upon request by providing paper straws or straw-less cups instead.

“City Council continues to create policies and regulations that promote a cleaner, greener environment and a sustainable future for Asbury Park,” said Councilmember and Green Team member Eileen Chapman. “Our aim is to keep Asbury Park’s beaches, ocean, and lakes free of pollution, and initiatives like Plastic-Free July are a great reminder that to preserve our natural resources, we need to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics.”

“As a coastal community, it is our responsibility to protect our environment and minimize plastic waste,” added Planning & Redevelopment Director and Green Team member Michele Alonso. “Plastic is the most common type of marine litter worldwide, and it doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, it breaks up into small particles that remain in the water and enter our food chain. By reducing the use of single-use plastics, we can enact positive change and create a healthier environment.”

Plastic-Free July began as a small initiative in Australia in 2011 and has since grown into a global movement for sustainability, with millions of participants across more than 170 countries. The campaign encourages residents and businesses to adopt sustainable practices and eliminate plastic waste.

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