Strengthen Impact of Plastic Ordinance in Folly Beach

Plastic pollution continues to impact communities across the country. Land-based plastic pollutants enter waterways, carrying the problem through different communities and eventually to the ocean. Plastics pose threats not only to the environment, but also to human health. For example, when plastics break down in the environment, humans face increasing risks of exposure to toxic byproducts like heavy metals and bisphenol A (BPA). These byproduct pollutants leach into soil, transport through air, and bioaccumulate in the food chain, which poses many human health concerns. Plastics are simply a bad idea for our ecosystems, oceans, and people alike!

Reducing unnecessary plastic use at the source is essential to mitigating the environmental and human consequences of plastic pollution. Skip the stuff policies offer helpful mitigation solutions for communities by mandating that food service providers only offer single-use plastic utensils upon request. Upon request policies like this discourage plastic use without placing strict bans.

The City of Folly Beach is making strides to reduce plastic pollution with its local ordinance placing restrictions on plastic bags, polystyrene coolers, containers, and cups. The city recently amended the ordinance by requiring that plastic straws and stirrers be offered only upon request and prohibiting the release of balloons within the city limits. Last year, Surfrider Foundation volunteers collected 339,000 pounds of waste, including 15,056 plastic straws, 2,528 plastic stirrers, and 2,506 balloons.

Thank you to the City of Folly Beach for taking a step towards plastic reduction. The impact of this ordinance will only be as strong as its implementation! Help your community take action by supporting Folly Beach in implementing the updated local plastic ordinance!

How to Take Action

Help spread the word about the new ordinance in your community! Here are some talking points to discuss:

• The City of Folly Beach strengthened its plastic ordinance to include a policy for seeing plastic straws and stirrers upon request and prohibited intentional balloon releases
• If you are given a plastic straw or stirrer without explicit request, help spread the word to local food service providers about the policy so they can comply.
• Surfrider Foundation volunteers collected 15,056 plastic straws, 2,528 plastic stirrers, and 2,506 balloons in 2025
• The new ordinance can help save local businesses money without inflicting strict bans
• Share why you are passionate about plastic reduction and the new ordinance