Assemblyman John McKeon is proposing new legislation that would fine large online retailers and big box stores for shipping items in boxes that are more than twice the size of the product being shipped. If passed, the fine would range from $200 to $500 for each offense.

The idea for his proposed legislation came when McKeon ordered a “Baby on Board” magnet from Bed Bath & Beyond-for his new grandchild. The magnet came in a box “25 times” the size of the item with packing material included.

The magnet could have fit in the palm of his hand and been shipped in an envelope, stated Mr. McKeon. This made Assemblyman McKeon realize how much waste these companies are producing by shipping small items in unnecessarily large packages.

John McKeon is a New Jersey assemblyman for Essex County and has been on the environmental committee for two decades. Mr. McKeon plans to introduce this bill and have it pass by summer 2022.

He reports that he is hopeful that passing this bill will be common sense for the legislature, as a way to save cardboard and reduce our carbon footprint.