James Island, SC Plastic Pollution Prevention Code Strengthened

The Charleston Chapter of Surfrider Foundation and allies advocated for the Town of James Island to update its Environmentally Acceptable Packaging and Products ordinance. On February 15, 2024, James Island Town Council voted to close a loophole in its plastic bag ban that exempts extra-thick plastic bags. These bags were previously exempt, because they could be classified as reusable under the previous definition. Additionally, the council added a provision that requires food providers to only provide polystyrene cutlery upon request.