Paper or plastic? Neither if you shop in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica's city council voted to ban plastic bags from stores and restricted their use in an effort to reduce the city's carbon footprint.

The ban went into effect in March but wasn't enforced until last Thursday, September 1.

Less than five percent of plastic bag users recycle their bags, which means all that plastic ends up in landfills or worse -- in the ocean.

Businesses who break the ban face a fine of $250 dollars or up to $1000 if charged with a misdemeanor.

Paper bags are still an option, but they cost 10 cents each.

Read More:

• No More Plastic Bags In Santa Monica (Care2)
• Are You Ready for the Plastic Bag Ban? (Santa Monica Patch)