BALLOON BANS HURT COMMUNITIES.
Consumer research shows balloon bans do not result in a reduction of purchasing and use, but rather results in consumers being redirected to retailers outside of the sale ban boundaries for their balloon purchasing needs. According to a nationwide online survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers conducted by an independent market research firm on behalf of the CRC:
65%
OF AMERICANS HOLD A POSITIVE VIEW TOWARDS BALLOONS
71%
OF AMERICANS WILL PURCHASE BALLOONS IN THE NEXT YEAR.
69%
OPPOSE BALLOON BANS IN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
LESS THAN 1%
OF ALL DEBRIS FOUND DURING BEACH CLEANUPS IN THE U.S. SINCE 2015 WERE BALLOONS.
Balloon bans are ineffective environmental policies that harm small businesses. These bans threaten the jobs and economic activity that the celebration industry supports. Balloons don’t only bring joy, they provide real career options for many due to the low barriers to entry.
Balloon bans fail to consider the impact on the livelihoods and opportunities of the following small businesses and community members.
PRICE CONSCIOUS CUSTOMERS
Balloons have always been an affordable option for family parties and events. Bans on balloons hurt price-conscious consumers disproportionately. While for some, driving to neighboring towns for balloons may be feasible, not all consumers have that option.
MAIN STREET BUSINESSES
Local florists, greeting card makers, and independent toy stores offer balloons to enhance their products which make their way to homes, schools, offices, and hospitals. These entrepreneurs rely on balloons to engage customers and sustain their businesses.
LOCAL GROCERY STORES
Community grocery stores sell balloons as part of their celebration item offerings. Whether it be balloons, cake and dessert, or candles, customers rely on grocers as a one-stop shop for all their event needs. Balloon bans hurt the local grocery store owner and diminish their value to the community.
EVENT PLANNERS & DECORATORS
Decorations are the first impressions of an event or party. Charged with the responsibility to bring joy to their customers, local event planners and decorators use balloon arrangements to create unique masterpieces that set the mood for any gathering.
CREATIVES & PERFORMERS
Balloon artists and event entertainment personalities, such as clowns, magicians, and others, use balloons to enhance any gathering while still being environmentally responsible. These artists rely on balloons to support their livelihoods.
YOUNG WORKERS
Whether it be a summer job or a post-high school profession, workers can turn to the Celebration Industry for careers because of the ease and affordability of getting started. These jobs are great incubators for people to acquire interpersonal and management skills.