Endangered and threatened turtles often mistake the bags for jellyfish.

The bill carried an exemption for bags used for storing unpackaged goods like meat or produce, which was one of the larger hang ups towards passing the legislation. Customers who bring sustainable options will also receive reimbursement (the cost of the plastic bags, usually around 9 cents a bag).

There are plenty of other reasons why this is a good idea:

1. Single use plastic bags are produced with virgin petroleum that could be used to heat homes, power cars and decrease our dependency on foreign oil.
2. Plastic bags are lightweight and non-biodegradable. Those that are not recycled or disposed of properly have little trouble finding their way to our beaches and coastal waters. According to the Wall Street Journal, of the 100 billion plastic bags used yearly by Americans, less than 1% ever make it to a recycling bin.
3. Plastic bags are remarkably detrimental to endangered and threatened animal life. Aquatic animals often mistake floating plastic bags for a food source like jellyfish.
4. The measure would only affect retail spaces larger than 5,000 square feet and chain retailers.

S1018 called attention to these problems by banning single use plastic bags in chain stores and large retail spaces. Instead, retailers would be required to offer recyclable paper bags, reusable plastic bags or encourage consumers to provide their own sustainable solution.

Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties will hopefully serve as ideal pilot counties for future expansion in the state. The Outer Banks also has a vested interest in maintaining the area’s natural beauty, both for residents and visiting tourists that sustain the local economy.