Strengthen the 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 working to reduce plastic pollution with its local ordinance placing restrictions on plastic bags, polystyrene coolers, containers, and cups. The city is proposing to strengthen this 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. Take Action by urging Folly Beach to strengthen its local plastic ordinance!

How to Take Action

Make a public comment at the final reading on October 5th at 7pm at Folly Beach City Hall. Here are some talking points to raise during the meeting:

• Share a story about seeing plastic straws, stirrers, and/or balloons littered on Folly Beach
• Share why you are passionate about plastic reduction
• Surfrider Foundation volunteers collected 15,056 plastic straws, 2,528 plastic stirrers, and 2,506 balloons in 2025
• Plastics pose threats not only to the environment, but also to human health
• Upon request policies save local businesses money without inflicting strict bans