Why releasing balloons in public places is deflating parties
IMAGINE a party or fair without balloons and those amazingly created animal shapes, twisted in seconds by these experts. That’s the potential following the ban on balloons being released in public places by councils in NSW, Western Australia and Victoria.
The Express
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IMAGINE a party or fair without balloons and those amazingly created animal shapes, twisted in seconds by these experts.
That’s the scenario facing locals following the ban on balloons being released in public places by some councils in NSW, Western Australia and Victoria.
Canterbury Bankstown Council said there is no ban on balloons but said anyone releasing 20 or more gas-filled balloons in public can be fined up to $750 under the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
From January 1, Bunnings stores will ban balloons for environmental reasons.
For Claire Geldard, who runs a family party store in Padstow, and other locals in the balloon business, a local ban will mean financial disaster, because this is one of their biggest attractions and sellers.
Ms Geldard is also the representative of the Pro Environment Balloon Alliance (PEBA), a self-regulating industry body which does not support deliberate release of balloons.
She said PEBA advise buyers not to release balloons, including those filled with helium, in public and she said she has even said no to some customers because of possible dangers to the environmental.
She said PEBA supports effective changes in legislation that help to prevent the organised deliberate release of balloons.
“We have been in business for around 15 years and my parents still help out,” Ms Geldard said.
“We supply balloons and party items to locals and we tell them to dispose of the balloons in the bin because it can have an effect on the environment.
“All our balloons are made out of latex but it seems to be lumped alongside the plastic bag concerns.
“I have even declined customers and explained to them why they should not release balloons in public places.”
Bunnings’ Director Marketing and Merchandise Clive Duncan said they plan to have their stores balloon free by January 1, 2019.
“While balloons are given away in our stores with the best of intentions and we have made efforts to minimise their potential impact (securing them to sticks and limiting outdoor use), unfortunately we are unable to manage their disposal once they have left our stores,”
“Following feedback from customers and team members regarding our use of balloons and their potential impact on wildlife and marine animals, Bunnings is working towards being balloon free by January 1, 2019.
“We feel that this decision is the right thing to do and supports our ongoing sustainability efforts.”
Ms Geldard said rather than see a blanket ban on the sale of all balloons, they would like to work with local governments and public to spread awareness on the responsible use and disposal of balloons.
Ms Geldard said any bans will affect everyone in the industry, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people in Australia.
According to PEBA’s Zoe Adams-Jones, a “total balloon ban, that some environmental groups are calling for, will have devastating effects on the industry”.
“The industry is made up of balloon artists, decorators and entertainers who are valued members of Australia’s arts and entertainment community and care about the environment,” she said.