Southampton Township, NJ – Evergreen Dairy Bar has become part of the statewide conversation surrounding New Jersey’s new “Skip the Stuff” law after posting a humorous video about customers adjusting to the state’s latest environmental regulations.
“Who knew a spoon could cause so much conversation?” the popular Burlington County dairy bar wrote in a social media post, reflecting on the reactions from customers since the law took effect. The post quickly drew attention as businesses across New Jersey navigate the new requirements governing plastic utensils and other single-use items.
In the video an attendant asks, “Would you like a spoon with that?”
The customer replies, “No thank, I’m good.”
She then begins eating the ice cream with her hands, noting the comedy in the new law as to why anyone would ever say no, or have to even be asked if they needed a spoon to eat their ice cream cup.
Unless, like plastic bags, people will begin carrying their own spoons around in their pockets.
What the new law requires
The “Skip the Stuff” law prohibits restaurants and other food establishments from automatically providing customers with single-use plastic utensils, including forks, knives, spoons, and straws.
Instead, customers must specifically request those items when placing takeout, delivery, or dine-in orders. The law also limits the automatic distribution of bundled napkins and condiment packets, while online ordering platforms must default to “no utensils” unless customers choose to add them.
Businesses that violate the law receive a warning for a first offense. Subsequent violations can result in a $100 fine for a second offense and $250 for additional violations.
Businesses and customers adapting
Since the law took effect, many restaurants have embraced humor while reminding customers to ask for utensils if they need them. Evergreen Dairy Bar’s video is one example of how businesses are using social media to explain the changes in a lighthearted way.
The new requirements have generated mixed reactions statewide. Environmental advocates say reducing unnecessary plastic waste will help decrease pollution and cut down on single-use plastics entering landfills and waterways.
Some customers, however, have expressed frustration after discovering their takeout meals arrived without utensils because they did not realize they needed to request them during the ordering process.
State officials have said the measure is intended to reduce plastic waste while encouraging consumers to use reusable utensils whenever practical.
New Jersey continues to expand its efforts to reduce single-use plastics following earlier restrictions on plastic bags and polystyrene foam containers. The “Skip the Stuff” law shifts responsibility to consumers to request disposable utensils only when needed, a change lawmakers say will reduce unnecessary waste while requiring restaurants to adjust their ordering and packaging practices.
