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Tomorrow, Wednesday February 28 at 9:30 a.m., state Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain), Co-Chair of the Environment Committee along with state Representative Joe Gresko (D-Stratford), Co-Chair of the Environment Committee will be holding a press conference on a bill being introduced by the Environment Committee that will prohibit the sale of helium and lighter-than-air gas balloons that are not biodegradable. This ban will be set to take effect in five years, beginning in 2029.
Banning non-biodegradable balloons will have a positive impact on the environment. As non- biodegradable balloons are typically made of materials like plastic, it poses a significant threat to the environment. When released into the air, they can end up in rivers, streams, forests, oceans, and other natural habitats. Balloons that end up in the ocean contribute to marine pollution, endangering marine life.
Banning non-biodegradable balloons encourages the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable balloons made from natural materials.
“My goal is not to force a mandated ban on the balloon industry. Rather, we pushed the effective date out five years to strongly encourage industry to find environmentally safer alternatives,” said Sen. Lopes. “My hope is that companies will come up with alternative solutions for making balloons that will be a safe way to sustain the community we live in.”
“Biodegradable balloons send a message to consumers and the industry to adopt more sustainable practices and have a responsibility for the end of life of their product, said Rep. Gresko. “We’ve all seen the release of balloons causing wildlife danger, litter in trees and power line issues.”
WHO:
Senator Rick Lopes
Representative Joe Gresko
What:
Press Conference on non-biodegradable balloons
Where:
Legislative Office Building Room 1A
When:
Wednesday, February 28 at 9:30 a.m. |
