The BBC has faced a balloon release backlash this week, following a high-profile episode of its popular and long-running soap opera EastEnders, in which latex balloons were released to mark the passing of character Abi Branning.
Since the episode broadcast, on Friday 16 Frebruary, the channel has received a number of complaints and comments via its social media channels. A number of disappointed members of the public have voiced their concerns about the ecological impact of a balloon release and, in particular, about the message this sends out to viewers.
Many of the messages point out lack of joined-up thinking within the corporation, following the recent work of award-winning BBC series Blue Planet in highlighting the issue of littering and single-use plastics.
The Marine Conservation Society posted about the release on its Facebook page, saying: ‘So disappointing to see the corporation potentially adding to the issue it has worked so hard to highlight #dontletgo’
“Although balloons are made of natural rubber latex – which biodegrades naturally – we wish to make it clear that the EBPC advises both its members and the public in general not to undertake releases due to the fact that it can create a littering issue,” said European Balloon and Party Council operations manager Suteesh Chamber.
“The EBPC actively promote a ‘bin it, don’t release balloons’ policy within its Best Practice guidelines. We have evidenced a steady decrease in balloon releases over the last few years across Europe in general.”
“Consumers need education, not legislation, to tackle the global littering issue,” he continued, “which the EBPC started two years ago, with further campaigns and initiatives planned over the next year. To focus on banning balloons is a very small part of a much wider problem.”
The BBC has previously promised not to feature balloon releases in its shows, after a similar public response to a release which took place in hopsital drama Holby City.
