Floating culprit causes blowups, ballooning spat

TRENTON, N.J. — When hands release helium-filled balloons and send them into the sky, they’re doing more than marking a wedding, graduation or death.

They’re also stirring the pot in a clash between the balloon industry and environmentalists seeking to deflate a tradition they say harms wildlife.

Critics call the balloons litter that poses a deadly threat to animals as well as hazards to power lines. Their efforts are contested by the Balloon Council, a trade group based in Trenton that represents balloon manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers.

The group is lobbying against a measure proposed in the New Jersey Senate to ban the balloon launches.

California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia have laws that ban or restrict launches, as do some U.S. cities.

Many utility companies have spoken out, arguing that balloons can cause power outages when they hit electric lines. And the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website includes photos of birds and a turtle that died after choking or being strangled by balloon pieces and strings.

Balloons Blow, a nonprofit organization based in Jensen Beach, Florida, is a sharp and frequent critic of the Balloon Council. It has led the push for outright bans, citing dangers to animals and an increase in recent years of single-use plastic causing marine pollution.

The group says people should consider eco-conscious alternatives, such as reusable banners, flags or pinwheels, instead of balloon launches when they stage public events, while those seeking to honor a departed loved one can plant trees or create gardens.