In Charleston, our environment is essential to our economy.
This ordinance is designed to protect the engine of our economy and livability of our City so businesses, particularly those influenced by tourism, and residents can continue to enjoy what the beauty and bounty of Charleston's waterways offer for generations to come.
These new measures are about cleaner streets and waterways, preserving the beauty and livability of Charleston for generations to come.
Plastic bags and containers are convenient, but they also —
- Trash Our Neighborhoods and Waterways:
More than 302 million tons of plastics are discarded worldwide each year1. Plastic waste ends up on Charleston’s streets and 7.6 tons are in Charleston Harbor alone.2
- Threaten Wildlife Health:
As many as 100,000 marine animals have been injured or killed by entanglement with or ingestion of plastic waste.3
- Pose Risks to Human Health:
Plastics never fully biodegrade, but when pieces of these bags and containers are eaten by animals, the plastic enters our food chain.
1: https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution#empirical-view
2: http://www.citadel.edu/root/change-leading-research-directed-by-dr-john-weinstein
3:https://www.iflscience.com/environment/ocean-animals-%E2%80%98death-plastic%E2%80%99-could-be-occurring-more-frequently/