Proposed Balloon Ban In Southampton: Residents Asked To Take Poll

SOUTHAMPTON, NY —Southampton Town is considering new legislation that would prohibit the sale, distribution and release of balloons filled with any type of lighter than air gas, including helium, for private or public use; the ban encompasses, but is not limited to plastic, latex or mylar.

The town's sustainability committee presented the ban at a January meeting. The proposed ban comes after Southampton's ban on plastic straws and styrofoam containers, as well as an intentional balloon release ban that was adopted last June.

According to News 12, the newly proposed legislation would prohibit the sale of helium balloons at party stores, supermarkets and other locations.

"We need to change our behaviors and find better alternatives to products that harm our environment," said Councilwoman Julie Lofstad, who sponsored the resolution regarding the intentional balloon release ban. "Balloons that have been released or thrown in the garbage become hazards to marine life and land animals. They take up space in our landfills. There are viable alternatives, such as butterfly releases, planting a tree in someone's honor, or using whirligigs to attract attention. If we stop and think about where these single use items go after we are done with them, perhaps we will be more cognizant and careful in our choices."

To help the town board weigh the public’s opinion on the ban a poll is being conducted on the town’s website. To participate in the poll, click here.

The poll will remain active until Friday, February 14 at 4p.m.