Editor:
Plastic bags are one of the most common sources of plastic litter that end up in the ocean and harm marine wildlife. After six years of grassroots advocacy, the California state legislature passed the nation’s first statewide plastic bag ban in 2014. It was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown that September. Political maneuvering from the big plastics industry stalled the ban and put it on the November ballot as Prop. 67. Californians now have the power to uphold the California bag ban and reduce plastic pollution by voting Yes on 67.
Through advocacy, local ordinances and statewide legislation, bag bans serve as drivers to change personal behavior and ultimately reduce the amount of plastic consumed, littered and in the sea. In California, 14 billion plastic bags are used annually and the state spends an estimated $25 million every year to landfill discarded plastic bags.
Bag bans have proven to be effective around the world in reducing plastic use and pollution. By voting “Yes on Prop 67,” California citizens can make a difference and help protect our coasts for the future.
Chad Nelsen, Laguna Beach
The author is the chief executive office of the Surfrider Foundation
