Hooray for fun police

COUNCIL BALLOON BAN

WELL done, Kingborough Council, it is about time a council had the guts to ban balloons. If people took the time to understand the damage it does to the planet and wildlife, then they might not jump up and down about it. There are many alternatives that will not pollute or harm animals. We can opt for reusable party and advertising decor — banners, flags, ribbon dancers, pinwheels. For memorials and fundraisers, we can plant trees, gardens or build birdhouses, actions that promote life. Perhaps organise a clean-up in a loved one’s honour or blow bubbles.

Every time I see balloons released, I cry because some poor sea creature will swallow it and if it is a fish, then we might eat that balloon as well. Plastics are a huge problem, maybe a small step like this will make a difference. Other countries do it already, so let’s do it too.

Let’s choose sustainable products and be mindful of the simple choices we can make to protect the planet we all share.

Huge problem

BOUQUETS to Kingborough councillors who voted in favour of the ban on balloons at council events. Brickbats to the uninformed councillors who voted against it, particularly David Grace who, in an effort to whip up prejudice, labelled the ban a Greens’ stunt. Most people who are reasonably well informed know that plastic waste is a huge problem, polluting our oceans to the extent that there are now huge floating areas the size of small countries in the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Every bit of plastic that has ever been produced still remains. It does not rot and does not break down. It causes huge problems for wildlife, which often swallow it thinking it is food. There are many documented instances of seabirds dying of starvation because their stomachs are filled with indigestible plastic, the same applies to turtles and whales.

All single-use plastic should be banned. The council needs to take a longer view and write to the Australia Day council requesting they no longer provide balloons.

Make them go away

SINCE childhood I have had a fear of balloons, and clowns.

For the planet

I COMMEND Kingborough Council on its decision to ban single-use plastics at large celebratory events such as Australia Day. All councils could follow suit and assist with a viable waste management plan. There is already far too much plastic causing pollution, blocking drains, contaminating seas and killing wildlife.

On my daily dog walks I constantly collect throwaway plastic pop-up drink bottles, cans and plastic bags wilfully discarded by idiots with no sense of what they are doing to the environment. I go from one public litter bin to the next depositing this rubbish. Consequently my knowledge of the whereabouts of bins in my area is extensive and I only wish that the council would provide more of them. Many were removed from bus stops, A new way to have your say themercury.com.au readers have a new way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website. which encourages litter bugs tto ddump their takeaway leftovers in the gutter before boarding the bus. I know of no one being fined for breaching litter laws. So much for the penalties.

Parents could stop their kids crying over trivialities such as burst balloons and spilt milk. Our planet is more important.

Johnny’s party

I HAVE long watched environmental programs and seen the zillions of balloons finish up being ingested by marine life all over the world. Balloons set free at little Johnny’s birthday party here in Oz finish up on the shores of a foreign ocean and eventually strangle the gut of wildlife.

We don’t realise the harm being caused by our celebrations. It has been a very serious problems for many years. Good on Kingborough Council for taking a stand and educating the neighbourhood. Painting a rock is much more creative and will save some poor turtle or bird’s life.

Also, good on Bruny Island’s successful swift parrot breeding program. Great hits for the environment!

Mountain politics

FOR reader R. Newell’s — and possibly the Government’s — benefit, I can attest that the idea opposition to the cable car consists solely of “anti-everything greens” is not the case. I have never voted Green.

Wrong way, go back

I WALKED to view the famous Disappearing Tarn on Mt Wellington this week and I cannot imagine a more inappropriate location for a cable car.

Not our debt

AGAIN the public is paying the price for the actions of the Anglican Church. Why? The Queen is head of the church, have her sell a couple of palaces to raise the money.

Not long now

THE soap opera wedding will soon be over and we will be back to normal. The sooner we become a republic, the better.