It takes over 100 years for a Mylar balloon to decompose and 150+ for the mylar ribbon to do the same, both leaving behind harmful microplastics. A latex balloon can take upwards of 5 years. There is NO such thing as a completely biodegradable balloon. THEY NEVER GO AWAY!  A helium balloon released can travel approximately 1300 miles, landing in farms, forests and our beautiful oceans.  The Cape Hatteras National Seashore collected 1786 balloons in 2023 on only 70 miles of our 3375 mile coastline. The number collected in 2022 was only 733! One that had been retrieved had been released three days prior from Wisconsin, and one retrieved from a real estate office in Birmingham, Alabama traveled 760 miles to Nags Head, NC

The release of Helium balloons is a major and devastating problem everywhere,  but especially to our beautiful coastline and to its inhabitants.  Dolphin, Sea birds, pelicans, Sea Turtles, whales and many more are amongst those impacted by this senseless LITTERING. It is the number one threat to Shorebirds and the number one killer of the Endangered Sperm Whale!  Balloons that reach the atmosphere shatter in to billions of pieces which are ingested while feeding. Balloons, especially those in clusters, become traps that entangle, choke or cause limb damage and eventually death. When ingested, the balloon blocks the digestive tract, causing the animals to feel full. This causes the animal to no longer feed and it will die a slow, agonizing and senseless death from starvation. 

Both Accidental and Purposeful releases need to be stopped immediately.  Releases occur to celebrate weddings, graduation, gender reveals and memorials and other reason. Alternatives exist: plant a tree, scatter birdseed or wildflower seeds, use natural confetti or my favorite..BLOW BUBBLES!

If you toss a deflated balloon out of your car window, it's called littering. If you fill a balloon with gas and release it, do you know what that's called?  IT'S STILL LITTERING!!

My quest is to have (1) ALL intentional balloon releases banned.(2) I would like to see that all sales of Helium balloons be required to have a one ounce or more,  weighted item attached to their tether to prevent accidental escape,(3) that no balloons be left unattended on signage, mailboxes, railings, cars, etc and (4) all companies that sell Helium balloons for the purpose of release ( memorial or otherwise) no longer be permitted to sell these items in the state of North Carolina. 

Join the other states that have made this a priority. Our Endangered species deserve a chance to thrive, and your help is needed. A recent balloon retrieved on the North Carolina coast was purposefully released three days prior from Wisconsin.  This begins here, but needs to be a National ban.

We are working with realtors, local governments and State Legislators.  Educate to eradicate! No Animal needs to suffer or die!

☆☆VICTORY ANNOUNCEMENT!☆☆

DUCK, NORTH CAROLINA ADOPTS RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE TO BAN BALLOON RELEASES!!! Outstanding achievement ♡