3,000 Eco-Friendly Balloons

(05/28/2009)    The Concerned Citizens of Montauk have bought over 3,000 plant-based latex balloons for a trade-in program they are sponsoring for the annual Blessing of the Fleet on June 14.

The environmental group said in a press release that they recognize that the water balloon fights are a tradition that is “unstoppable.” So in an effort to alleviate the risk to sea life such as turtles, birds, and fish that could end up with balloon bits in their bellies, the group has purchased rubber plant-based balloons that will degrade in the same amount of time as an oak leaf will.

They are hoping people will not use the “inferior” latex balloons, which are sold commercially in local stores. The concerned citizens have learned that some sea birds will not ingest blue balloons, and so they have purchased only blue and green balloons.

The group is urging revelers to use fishnets to scoop up balloon debris after the water fight to protect sea turtles, which are the most vulnerable.

Julie Evans Brunn will also provide the eco-friendly balloons to anyone just for the asking. They will be available at the Snug Harbor Motel from June 6 through June 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. She will distribute leftover balloons at local marinas prior to the blessing.     J.H.