Did you know that 60 to 80% of all debris in the ocean is plastic? Plastics take hundreds of years to break down at sea and most types never truly biodegrade. As a result, marine animals often get entangled in the debris or mistake it for food. That is why Portland Chapter of Surfrider is working with Leave No Plastic Behind to reduce consumption of plastics in our state. This month offers some exciting ways to get involved and support the effort. On Sept 22 Recycling Advocates will host a Plastic Bag Dilemma Public Forum: 'Solving the Plastic Bag Dilemma: Is Oregon Ready?' Portland is considering a mandatory fee (or ban) on plastic grocery bags to reduce waste and encourage people to shop with reusable bags. This will follow the example of Oakland, Seattle, and other west coast cities that have passed bans on single-use plastic bags. Please join us on Sept 22 for this important forum! Also please sign our online petition to the Portland City Commissioners!