City councilman proposes ordinance banning balloons

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – A Washington city councilman is floating a new city ordinance that would prohibit the sale and use of any type of balloon that is not 100 percent biodegradable.

The Kitsap Sun reported that the proposed ordinance by Bainbridge Island City Councilman Michael Scott would also prohibit balloon releases or balloon use in any advertisements.

The ordinance would not apply to manned hot air balloons or to scientific or research projects.

Scott says wildlife and ecosystems are threatened by balloon remnants and other litter. The ordinance says the new regulations would “protect our natural environment, including surrounding marine environment.”