The Surfrider Capitol Chapter in Olympia helped to pass an ordinance bans plastic checkout bags at all retailers and includes a minimum five cent fee on paper bags as the incentive to remember reusable bags or go without a bag for small purchases.
In October 2013, Olympia City Council unanimously passed a Reusable Bag Ordinance Based on the Thurston County model. The ordinance bans plastic checkout bags at all retailers and includes a minimum five cent fee on paper bags as the incentive to remember reusable bags or go without a bag for small purchases. The ordinance will be effective July 1, 2014. The Surfrider Capitol Chapter in Olympia helped to generate public support for the ordinance and sent in official support letter to City Council.