Letter: City Should Educate, Not Regulate, Balloons

Re: Rich Kane's column on April 21: "Poll: What Should the City Council Try to Ban Next?"

It is refreshing to see a government body acting in the best, long term interests of the community.

The Balloon Council, a national trade organization of balloon manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers, applauds the Laguna Beach City Council for choosing to implement a public awareness campaign about responsible balloon use instead of an outright ban of balloons.

Balloons symbolize celebrations and contribute to a $100 million industry. Florists, grocers, party suppliers and other small businesses in Laguna Beach - along with children's birthday parties - would be unnecessarily harmed by a ban on balloons.

The city council's decision to educate instead of regulate aligns with The Balloon Council's nationwide Responsible Balloon Retailer program to educate customers and retailers about proper balloon use.  This includes proactively educating customers on how to best enjoy balloons with practical tips such as not releasing foil balloons and using natural rubber latex balloons that are biodegradable.

It is with the sensible thinking of leaders like the Laguna City Council that we can mitigate problems while preserving the jobs of balloon retailers and maintaining the public's enjoyment of balloons.

Sincerely,
Noah Lichtman
Spokesperson
The Balloon Council