balloon races

[squeek]

the damage to wild life has been known about for years, there is not enough info getting to the organizers maybe, or they just dont care.
whatever there needs to be more awareness.
maybe even a new law preventing this mass releases.
i think there maybe environmental friendly balloons out there, probably cost more tho, but thats no excuse,people should be made aware and to take a more responsible approach.

[evilgrayson]

I think there've been enough new laws of late - and I think the issue with people continuing to release balloons is more awareness than anything else.

I didn't realise that a balloon release might be a problem until I came here and read this thread. How many more people are going to be in the same situation? Educate people, rather than call for a ban.

[dickybird]

there will always be a certain element of society who will actively chose to ignore any ban. education is the best policy--and then youve got to hope that the knowledge imparted is comprehended by all. plastic bags havent been banned but education about their impact on the environment has started to make a difference to our shopping/disposal habits. its getting everyone to recognise what harm we can cause----and then hoping that they'll be bothered enough to care and change their rather selfish behaviour.

[Madelinew]

Originally Posted by 2dogs2000

Where can I get hold of 'don't let go' information packs? I and a few colleagues are trying to persuade our head to stop this at the school we work at. Every year on sports day we have a balloon race. Unfortunately it is a great fundraiser.

2Dogs2000, I notice you posted this a while ago. Are you still around on the forum to tell us if you succeeded in stopping the balloon races at your school?

[shanny66]

Im not in favour of a ban - they just make people resentful and we just end up being lumped in with all the not -PC fun police- I agree that awareness is the way forward.

You do need a bit of diplomacy as well, many balloon releases are to support very worthwhile charities , "never mind the terminally ill childrens hospice what about the turtles" isnt always the most helpful message

Letting people you know you support their cause and suggesting equally interesting alternative fundraising actvities works better.

[2dogs2000]

Originally Posted by Madelinew

2Dogs2000, I notice you posted this a while ago. Are you still around on the forum to tell us if you succeeded in stopping the balloon races at your school?

No we haven't succeeded yet. I think we have to come up with an easy alternative fund raiser that people find as enjoyable as balloon races.

[squeek]

hi 2dogs2000

are you a pupil , teacher or school helper there ?

[2dogs2000]

Originally Posted by squeek

hi 2dogs2000

are you a pupil , teacher or school helper there ?

Teaching assistant if you please. (I am only joking)

[squeek]

i just wondered what infuence you may have there with decision making ?