S.C. State Parks to eliminate plastic bags, water bottles in retail stores

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – South Carolina State Parks announced Monday it plans to stop providing plastic bags in its retail stores and stop selling plastic single-use water bottles.

“Why are you selling plastic bags and plastic bottles? You’re the state parks service,” said South Carolina State Parks Director Paul McCormack. “So, we’re hoping we can model that behavior.”

While plastic shopping bags are being phased out, paper shopping bags are being phased in. Each bag will have the logo of the specific park where the paper bag is being provided. As for the single-use plastic water bottles, single-use water bottles made from aluminum will be sold instead.

The move follows a trend among private businesses and entire states alike.

At Croft State Park in Spartanburg, plastic bags were already eliminated in its retail store for about five years according to off-site Park Ranger Laura Taber.

“I don’t like plastic,” said Taber.

She said she’s seen plastic bags, chip bags and other trash on the road, on the grass and in the lake so it’s a move she says makes sense.

According to McCormack, the Parks Services isn’t trying to nickel-and-dime guests and isn’t in this for the money.

“The park actually isn’t making any money on this. This is actually a more expensive way to go,” said McCormack. “Aluminum recycling is actually easier in most counties.”

“[The aluminum water bottles are] a little bit more money at the initial purchase price but then you can reuse it forever,” said Ranger Taber.

The Parks Service hopes the elimination of plastic in its parks encourages more people to bring their own water reusable water bottles when visiting especially, with Friday’s announcement that the Duke Energy Foundation is helping to fund the installment of water bottle refilling stations in 25 state parks by the end of the year.