Over the weekend, the Church of Scientology cut the ribbon on a new Ideal Organization in the City of Ventura. To celebrate, the church released over 1000 balloons, some of which will certainly end up in the ocean (literally across the street).

Although balloons are meant to be a symbol of joy and celebration, they pose a danger to wildlife long after celebrations have passed. For this reason, we ask that the City of Ventura  to follow other costal communities by banning the intentional release of balloons. 

Why is this such a big deal? 

• Birds, turtles and other animals often mistake balloons for food

• When ingested, a balloon can block the digestive tract of the animal, often resulting in death by starvation

• Ocean and beach wildlife often get entangled in balloon ribbons

• Sea turtles are the most at-risk, as balloons floating in the sea look like their favorite food: Jellyfish!

• During International Coastal Cleanup Day, nearly 100,000 balloons were picked up on beaches around the world

In 2019, Manhattan Beach City Council passed ordinance 19-0003 which reduces the impacts of balloons in the environment. We ask that the City of Ventura enacts a similar ordinance to put a stop to the reckless environmental damage being caused by the intentional release of balloons. 

*Ordinance 19-0003 can be found here:19-0003