TRENTON, N.J. — September 30, 2014 — The General Assembly approved legislation, 72-0, on Monday to address the growing environmental concerns over beauty products containing microbeads.
The bill, A-3083, sponsored by Assembly Democrats Patrick Diegnan, Paul Moriarty, Tim Eustace and Linda Stender, prohibits the production, manufacture, and sale of all personal cosmetic products containing microbeads.
Microbeads are small plastic particles that are added to personal cosmetic products such as soap, face wash and toothpaste. They are artificial replacements for natural additives such as crushed almonds and pumice.
The sponsors of the bill commend the companies that have begun to voluntarily phase out the use of microbeads in products. If this legislation were to become law, New Jersey would join one other state, Illinois in banning the use of microbeads.
“I applaud the companies who have recognized the ill effects that polyethylene microspheres have on the environment and stand with us as we take steps to curb its use,” said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “By banning these products, we are preserving New Jersey’s environmental heritage and protecting marine life.”
“New Jersey’s marine life and fishing industry need our protection now,” said Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester). “There are plenty of other ecologically friendly ingredients that can replace microbeads without endangering our ecosystem.”
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