Hurley’s announced on Tuesday that it will no longer distribute single-use plastic shopping bags at its check-out counters.  The store has replaced the plastic bags with sturdy eco-friendly paper handle-bags and large reusable Earthwise shopping bags.

“We have listened to our customers’ comments and agree with their growing environmental concerns,” stated Hurley’s Director Shanna Merren.  “So today at Hurley’s we begin the transition to greener options.  We were distributing about 15,000 single-use bags per week, but now we are done with plastic and will now only offer reusable bags.”

The environmental impact of single-use plastic bags has taken center stage around the world, with nations and several US states banning or limiting distribution of plastic bags.  Single-use plastic bags take many years to biodegrade, while Hurley’s new paper bags will biodegrade in as little as a month. 

Additionally, the effect of plastics on the ocean and marine animals has become evident in recent years.  The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 80 percent of the plastic found in oceans originates from land and that by 2050 there will be more plastic by weight in our oceans than fish.Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, whales and other marine life are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it.

“We all love and enjoy our Cayman waters,” continued Ms. Merren.  “It is estimated that five or six million single-use bags are distributed annually in the Cayman Islands.  If Hurley’s alone can cut this number by 800,000 bags a year, we are pleased to take that first step in protecting our greatest natural resource.” 

In addition to discontinuing single-use plastic bags, Hurley’s has also replaced plastic straws, Styrofoam deli containers and plastic salad containers with recyclable, environmentally friendly alternatives.

“We are so thankful to Hurley’s for taking this monumental step,” said Claire Hughes, founder of Plastic Free Cayman. “Single-use plastic bags continue to litter our beautiful island and surrounding waters. With other countries making bans on single-use plastics this shows we don’t have to wait for government to make changes, we can simply stop using them as it’s the right thing to do. We hope to see other stores in Cayman follow suit in the near future.”

Hurley’s eco-friendly paper handle-bags will be sold at the register for 10¢ each.  Earthwise eco-friendly bags are available for $1.59.