While it may seem like a harmless way to celebrate a festive occasion, releasing balloons into the air has been linked to a number of impactful side effects. As a result, more communities are attempting to outlaw the practice.
This now includes the city of Beaufort, South Carolina.
As reported by WPDE, the Beaufort City Council has voted to enact a balloon-release ban throughout the city. The move makes Beaufort the first city in South Carolina to prohibit the popular tradition.
"Should be a State ban. No exceptions!" wrote one commenter on ABC 15.
Another user agreed that a citywide ban is a step in the right direction, but they took the concept to a whole other level.
"Good deal. Now ban it across the country," they suggested.
Perk up the winter blues with natural, hemp-derived gummies Camino's hemp-derived gummies naturally support balance and recovery without disrupting your routine, so you can enjoy reliable, consistent dosing without guesswork or habit-forming ingredients. Flavors like sparkling pear for social events and tropical-burst for recovery deliver a sophisticated, elevated taste experience — and orchard peach for balance offers everyday support for managing stress while staying clear-headed and elevated.
Learn more → |
In South Carolina, H. 3047 has been introduced in the House of Representatives and is "in committee." The legislation aims to ban balloon releases on a state level by reclassifying the practice as littering.
In a Facebook post announcing the ban, the city of Beaufort indicated the primary reasons behind the measure.
"Council approved an ordinance making balloon releases within City limits unlawful—an important step for environmental protection and local wildlife," the post reads.
More attention has been paid to balloon releases in recent years, especially their ability to harm the environment and create litter on both land and water. This has the potential to kill wildlife through ingestion, where animals often mistake deflated balloons for food. Other animals can become entangled in balloon strings, causing blockages and starvation.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$200 or more 💰 Balloons made from plastic can also take a long time to break down, contributing to microplastic pollution. These tiny plastic particles can find their way into our soil, waterways, and even the food chain. Over time, microplastics can be ingested by the human population, leading to serious health issues.
Balloon releases have long been a staple at weddings, birthday parties, and other joyful celebrations. But as their damage becomes more common knowledge, more eco-friendly alternatives have been growing in popularity. This includes the use of bubbles or tossing flower petals.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
