As Valentine’s Day draws closer, US-based association The Balloon Council has issued a global press release to remind all balloon retailers and artists about the importance of following Smart Balloon Practices to ensure that Valentine’s balloons don’t end up as litter.
“Millions of balloons are sold on Valentine’s Day, so this is the perfect time to raise awareness about the best ways to handle and dispose of balloon properly,” said Lorna O’Hara, executive director of The Balloon Council (TBC), a non-profit organisation made up of responsible retailers, distributors and manufacturers, dedicated to educating others about the benefits of balloons and responsible use.
The release – which has been made available to consumer press as well as trade – highlights that key tips from the national Smart Balloon Practices Campaign should be kept in mind:
- Do not release any balloons into the air – they can become tangled in power lines and turn into litter.
- Keep balloons secured with a string and tied to a weight.
- Children with balloons should always be monitored. Children under eight years of age can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons.
- When finished with balloons, pop them and properly dispose of them.
- Despite the funny voice helium can give you, it should never be inhaled.
“Even though red is the primary colour for Valentine’s Day we hope people will think ‘green’ when using balloons to celebrate,” adds Lorna. “Balloons are recyclable and biodegradable, but we all need to do our part and be mindful of these smart practices to ensure that balloons are a part of our celebrations for years to come. Just follow our motto, Don’t let go: Inflate. Weight. Enjoy.”
The Balloon Council encourages the public to share their balloon-filled celebration photos by posting on Facebook @balloonsliftup and Instagram @balloonsliftup, using the hashtag #BeBalloonSmart.
For more information about Smart Balloon Practices visit balloonsliftup.com
