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A plastic bag blows in the wind. Photo: Eric Heinz

Greg Long, San Clemente

As a big-wave surfer and the son of a man who has committed his life to San Onofre State Park protection, I care deeply about the health of our coastal playground, by keeping our water clean, our beaches accessible and keeping trash out of our waterways.

On Nov. 8, Californians will take minutes at the polls to have a lifetime of a difference in keeping our beaches clean. Vote “yes” on Prop. 67. This ballot referendum affirms the statewide law banning single-use plastic grocery bags and encourages all shoppers to bring reusable bags to the store. Single-use plastic bags are part of the plastic pollution epidemic that is facing our ocean today. In fact, scientists have predicted that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050. Plastic pollution poses a grave threat to 663 species of marine animals. Not only is plastic bag litter unsightly (and pretty disgusting to surf with), but it also poisons our environment and threatens our food chain when smaller pieces of plastic are eaten by the fish that we eat. Plastic bags are always on the “top 10” list for sources of litter, and they can be easily replaced by reusable shopping bags. Voting “yes” on Prop 67 is a great way to protect our coastal areas and better our community.