28 April 2019

To: Alex Damron, Director of Communication, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

CC: Jacob Blasdel, Town Manager, Town of Speedway
Members of the Town of Speedway Council
Melody Park, SustainIndy 

Changes to Balloon Industry Practices 

Dear Alex, 

We represent the Pro Environment Balloon Alliance (PEBA) as members of the Balloon Industry. Our association was formed in July 2017 to be an advocacy body to promote positive changes in balloon industry practices, community education, corporate governance and to be a consultative body for policy relating to balloons.

We understand that the Indi 500 Balloon Release has been a family tradition for many years. Although releases of helium balloons have also been a tradition in our industry, we have in recent years noted a distinct change in the level of environmental awareness and community expectations about the practice.

We are responding by successfully promoting and implementing proactive changes in industry practices. PEBA and our members do not support or facilitate the release of helium balloons.

It is important to understand that balloons generally form a small percentage of litter and marine debris.  However we believe our industry can help reduce this even further and contribute to an overall reduction in litter by stopping the practice of releasing helium balloons into the environment.

We are engaging with a variety of stakeholders and reviewing studies on the problems with balloon litter and marine debris and the associated impacts on the environment, especially pertaining to marine wildlife.

Our industry is made up of small business owners including Balloon Artists, Twisters, Entertainers and Event Decorators who are valued members of America's Arts & Entertainment Industry. This profession employs tens of thousands of people across the country and includes retailers, suppliers and manufacturers.

As Balloon Industry professionals we have an obvious vested interest in preventing further job losses. Currently, there are some campaigns calling for blanket bans on balloons. Policies are being made without consultation with the Balloon Industry. We are very concerned about the impact this is having on the livelihoods of balloon professionals and thousands of jobs are on the line.

PEBA is driving responsible practices within our industry and supporting fair and effective policy change that will help us to thrive through the current challenges however, we cannot achieve this alone. We need the support of the wider community to ensure an economically sustainable future for our industry. 

We are urging organisations to reconsider the practice of releasing balloons at events and celebrations in support of transitioning into a more environmentally responsible and sustainable future.

For further information about PEBA, please visit www.peba.com.au

We thank you very much for your consideration.