From:abcnews4

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — The City of Folly Beach has become the first municipality in South Carolina to prohibit the use of plastic bags, styrofoam containers and coolers, and balloons on its beaches.

The measure came after a unanimous vote by city council on Tuesday and was followed by cheers from the crowd.

The ban takes effect immediately, while a ban on the distribution of plastic bags will take effect January 1, 2017.

Many community members and nonprofit organizations, like the Surfrider Foundation, have pushed for the ban for a long time.

They believe it will send a message to the rest of the state and country that people must take care of their environments.

"Just three days ago we did a beach sweep out on the Washout, a very popular beach where everyone comes to surf and of course enjoy the beach," said Olivia Bueno, with the Surfrider Foundation. "We picked up over 3,705 pieces of styrofoam alone with 20 volunteers out there. This is awesome. It's going to help us protect our wildlife and our wild places."

City officials will work with local businesses and organizations to teach citizens and visitors about the new ordinances before they begin citing those who violate the new ban.