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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 17 Floating Solutions and Finding Success e challenges faced by the balloon industry, according to Lorna O'Hara, executive director of e Balloon Council (TBC) in Trenton, N.J., can be summarized into three categories: sustainability, education and legislation. Sustainability "e balloon industry, which comprises manufacturers, distributors, retailers and decorators, is committed to reducing our carbon footprint, minimizing waste, and creating sustainable and eco-friendly products," O'Hara notes. "is includes continuing to educate the public and promote 'Smart Balloon Practices' for proper use and disposal, developing innovative partnerships with power and gas companies, and working together to do beach and park cleanups in local communities." Education "As an industry, we must continue to educate both industry members and consumers about responsible balloon use and disposal," O'Hara continues. "Our motto is 'Do Not Release: Inflate. Weight. Enjoy!' and we continue to push our national 'Smart Balloon Practices' campaign through public events, point-of-sale (POS) materials, news media and social platforms." e key messages in TBC's "Smart Balloon Practices" campaign are: O'Hara points out that a number of eco-friendly initiatives are taking place or being promoted within the industry. "ese include testing balloon recycling programs in stores at the consumer levels, promoting the reuse or repurposing of balloons after they have been used, reducing the manufacturing carbon footprint, recycling scrap and reducing overall material usage," she confirms. "e industry is also working closely with a major power company in California to research and develop a nonconductive film for foil balloons that will help prevent power outages," O'Hara continues. "We are excited about the initial tests and the positive response we are getting in favor of this new initiative, but we still have a way to go before it is available to the marketplace." Legislation "At the time that TBC was established, several state legislatures were considering well-intentioned but ill- conceived laws that would have severely limited a consumer's right to experience enjoyment from balloons," O'Hara remarks. "ese legislative attempts were based on rumor and inaccurate news reports and 'expert' assertions. TBC's product labeling, media relations, public awareness and legislative outreach initiatives have curbed this negative trend by diligently setting the record straight whenever possible." Today, the industry is experiencing a new wave of challenges in state capitals and in the media, O'Hara acknowledges. "ese include increased opposition via social media, a pivot from 'balloon release bans' to 'sale and use bans,' and the inclusion of balloons into the single-use plastic conversation, to name a few. ese ever-increasing regulatory threats to the • Never release balloons • Always attach balloons to a weight • Reuse or repurpose balloons • Pop, then dispose or recycle • Never inhale helium • Adopt an eco-friendly initiative

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