Balloon Litter
Balloon releases are a very popular way of raising awareness of a particular campaign or of raising money at fundraising events. In 2007 a number of high profile campaigns have used this method of getting their message across.
But what many people, including balloon release organisers, don’t realise is that what can be an eye-catching and picturesque event can have dangerous and ugly consequences.
The effects of a seabird or marine animal swallowing a burst balloon, thinking it’s a small fish or seaweed, or becoming entangled in an attached ribbon, have been well documented by the Marine Conservation Society. Evidence shows that balloons can travel huge distances if there’s a strong wind and that even the ‘environmentally friendly’ option of latex balloons can take years to biodegrade.
Balloon releases, with their potential for creating litter, could actually be interpreted at an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, that is to drop "or otherwise deposit" litter in a public place. With this in mind KSB is calling on Scotland’s local councils to follow the example of Shetland Islands' Council and ban balloon releases from premises within their control, including all school buildings, and consider entering a new condition on entertainment licenses to prevent balloon releases.
What you can do to help:
Share information:
If you are involved in organising events and your colleagues or committee propose a balloon release, draw their attention to the harm these events can inadvertently cause, with a copy of Keep Scotland Beautiful's Policy & Position Statement.
Contact the organisers:
If you hear of a balloon release taking place in your area, you can write to organisers asking them to organise an alternative activity or contact the Keep Scotland Tidy team with full details so that we can get in touch with them ourselves.
Suggest an alternative:
There are many practical alternatives to holding a balloon release. For an awareness raising event, you can invite supporters to wear a wrist band, ribbon or badge to help spread the word about your cause. Or if you still want to have fun with balloons you can try your hand at balloon modelling, indoor racing or a popping competition! Further suggestions can be found in our Policy & Position Statement.
Contact your council:
Ask your local council whether they have implemented a ban on balloon releases from their premises and if not, ask them to consider putting one in place.
Don't let go:
Visit the Marine Conservation Society's website and sign up to their petition to have balloon releases specifically banned under the Environmental Protection Act, or take part in "Beachwatch" to help record the type and volume of litter found on Scotland’s coastline.