I am a resident of Charlotte, NC and I am deeply concerned about the environmental impact of balloon releases. These seemingly innocent celebrations can have devastating effects on our environment and wildlife. Balloons that are released into the air don't just disappear - they either get lodged in trees or electrical wires, or they deflate and fall to the ground where they can pose a choking hazard to wildlife.

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, balloons are considered one of the most harmful types of litter for animals because they are easily mistaken for food. This leads to blockages within their digestive systems which can cause starvation (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service). Additionally, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported that marine life is particularly at risk as thousands of balloons end up in our oceans each year (NOAA).

Making balloon releases illegal in Charlotte would be a significant step towards protecting our local environment and wildlife from unnecessary harm.

I urge you to consider this issue seriously – for our city's sustainability future, for our children who deserve clean parks free from littered balloon remnants, and for the countless birds and other animals who suffer needlessly due to this practice.

Please sign this petition today – let's make balloon releases a thing of past!